CHARACTERS from a host of famous books came alive as schoolchildren across the county joined to celebrate World Book Day.

More than 200 pupils at Wheatley Primary School dressed up as Roald Dahl characters - and even some of the teachers took part.

The school, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, has strong links with the famous children's author because he used to live in the village.

Also, he officially opened the new school in 1984 when it moved from the church site.

Headteacher Joan Morters said: "Everybody loves Roald Dahl books - to me he's the best children's author.

"It was great fun and at the end of the day the staff read different stories for the children.

"There was a good selection of characters but Willy Wonka was probably the most popular.

"We had lots of BFGs (Big Friendly Giants) as well and lots of children with very large ears."

Meanwhile, in Marcham pupils and staff from Marcham Primary School dressed up as their favourite book characters.

Princesses, pirates and even Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter all turned up at the school to celebrate the children's love of reading.

Headteacher Viv Hutchinson said the school enjoyed events all week.

She said: "The staff brought along some of their favourite books to share with the pupils during the afternoon and the day ended with a special parents' assembly to show which famous book characters had turned up to school.

"As well as joining many other schools and establishments in reading, other activities during the week included a book fair and a sponsored read."

And over in Grove, pirates, knights in shining armour, princesses, fairies and Bob the Builder took over Grove Primary School as pupils, staff and parents all dressed up as their favourite characters to promote reading.

Children at the school have recently been involved in a project on pirates so many went as Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean films Others favoured Harry Potter characters, while the girls pulled out all the stops by dressing elaborately as fairies and pretty princesses.

A spokesman at the school said: "It was a very colourful day.

"Parents and staff joined in the fun and it was all in a very good cause - getting the children to do more reading and to enjoy books.

"Anything that does that is to be very warmly welcomed."