7:00pm Friday 12th March 2010
By James Williams
Teachers at schools across Wiltshire welcomed Harry Potter, the Pink Panther and Dracula to class as part of World Book Day.
The literary day, which falls on March 4, is a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and is marked in more than 100 countries worldwide.
This year schoolchildren were each given a £1 book voucher which could be exchanged for one of six specially published World Book Day £1 Books, or could be put towards any other book.
Pupils at Bellefield Primary and Nursery School in Windermere Road, Trowbridge, got the chance to go to school dressed as their favourite book characters.
Headteacher Steve Wigley said: “The most innovative costume was Niall Thorne who dressed up as Mr Majeika and came in on a flying carpet with false legs dangling down.
“All the children got a £1 book voucher so hopefully they have all been out to buy a book at the weekend.”
The school also held a competition, organised by Year 4 and 5 teacher Carolyn Spruce, to have a photograph taken reading in an unusual place. The junior winner was Jordan Stewart, who was snapped reading in a dentist’s chair and Alena Donkin, pictured reading among the washing-up in the kitchen sink, won the infants category.
Alice in Wonderland, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, and quite a few Harry Potters all turned up for class at St John’s Primary School in Boreham Road, Warminster.
Headteacher Lyn Taylor was keen to get parents involved, and she said: “During the week we had an adult book swap so the parents could swap their own books when they came to pick their children up.
“We hope we help to share with the children our love of books and that enthusiasm will improve their English and literary work.”
The school also held a book a bedtime evening, where children came back to school in their pyjamas for a story at bedtime.
Pupils at Warminster School celebrated the day for the ninth year in a row and Year 11 pupils Patrick James and Tim Robinson braved the cold to dress as Greek god Zeus and Tarzan. They also welcomed staff from the Trowbridge branch of Waterstone’s to visit.
At Staverton Primary children and staff dressed as their favourite Heroes and Villains, with characters ranging from Batman and Superman to sporting stars and Star Wars baddies.
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