YOUNGSTERS at a Devizes infants school turned into book worms when a reading festival was staged on Monday.

Children at Southbroom Infants were delighted to meet author Laura James who has created a series of books featuring a Pug based on her own dog Brian.

She also takes inspiration from her father who is a retired naval officer and has produced books titled Captain Pug and Pirate Pug.

On Monday the author, who lives near Bath, carried out workshops with the children and signed copies of her books.

Southbroom Infants reading subject leader Helen Fishlock said: “At Southbroom Infants we value reading.

“Our special educational needs co-ordinator Susi Waters came up with the idea of the festival to celebrate reading.

“We had an exciting day of events for parents and children to engage their interest and fill them with enthusiasm for reading.

“Laura came for the day and during the afternoon we had story telling including a visit from Webster the reading dog, puppet.

“There was also book mark making, a quiz, a book swap, Minion biscuit making, a chance to nominate a favourite book and a book themed bake off.”

She said the school also held a book lucky dip to raise money for the Schoolreaders charity which provides reading volunteers for the school.

Devizes Books and Devizes School have also supported the reading programme at Southbroom.

Head Caroline Jackson was delighted with the festival. She said: “We had lots of events and activities planned to enthuse and excite the children.”