CAPTAIN Hook crossed swords with King Arthur at St Andrew's School when pupils attended lessons dressed as characters from their favourite books.

Almost all 210 pupils at the primary school, in Blunsdon, brought books to life yesterday by taking part in the fancy dress day, held to celebrate National Children's Book Week.

The teachers also got in on the act, with Cruella De Ville, Captain Hook and the Wicked Stepsisters taking lessons for the day.

Deputy headteacher Nicky Mills, who dressed as Bob The Builder for the day, said: "The day was a fantastic success and the children absolutely loved it.

"We will definitely be holding another fancy dress day next year."

"Children learn more about books this way, and they're really looking forward to doing this again."

As part of the day, the school held a competition to find the best costumes in each class.

Among the winners were Aaron Eggleton, aged seven, who dressed as Gandalf, Bradley Hooper, aged 10, who went as The Artful Dodger, and seven-year-old Christian Long, who dressed as King Arthur.

Barbara Carlson, the chairman of the governors, judged the competition.

The school has also been hosting a book fair this week which has given pupils the chance to buy books before and after lessons.