Schools across North Wiltshire celebrate this year's World Book Day

Whether dressing as a favourite character, organising an author visit, enjoying a special story time or even turning up at school in pyjamas, primary and secondary schools created an imaginative range of events to inspire pupils with a love of books.

The antics of a Pug called Brian inspired children at St Margaret's preparatory school in Calne to write their own stories. Wiltshire author Laura James, who writes about her pet pooch,visited the school, then pupils had the chance to write on the theme of Animal Antics.

Children also raised money for the school’s charity for the year, Evie’s Gift, set up in memory of former pupil Evie Clover, when they dressed in their pyjamas on Friday for an event which was organised by the School Council. Pupils and staff paid £1 each for the privilege of wearing nightwear instead of their usual uniforms.

Year 3 Teacher, Heather Richards, reading subject leader, said: “The standard of the writing was extremely high. All of the children loved hearing about Laura’s Pug and then enjoyed writing their own stories.”

Children at Stanton St Quintin primary school started their day with a Booky Breakfast, dining on Potter Pancakes, Paddington’s Marmalade Scones and Wonderland Smoothies.

Later, the children were treated to an exciting performance by staff which involved Sherlock Holmes questioning his various book-character suspects after a snapped orange crayon from ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’ was discovered. The children asked the suspects lots of questions and recorded their theories.

"The children have enjoyed a range of book day themed activities in their classrooms throughout the day and it is clear that a love of reading is very much embedded here," said school business manager Anita Druce.