CHILDREN at Newtown Primary School in Trowbridge joined in World Book Day.

All the pupils were allowed to come to classes dressed as their favourite character from a book, whether that was Harry Potter or someone from a fairy tale.

Headteacher Sue Ivermee said: "It is a chance for all the children to join in and to have fun while also raising the profile of books and reading."

The children all brought in a favourite book and throughout the day activities were organised around books, including older children reading to younger ones and each child getting the chance to look at other books brought in for the day.

World Book Day is the biggest reading initiative in the country, encouraging youngsters to pick up a book.

The day is held in 30 countries around the world and issues vouchers to give every child taking part the chance to own a new book as well as helping them to see the enjoyment they can get from reading.

At Newtown a new initiative was introduced in October to encourage more children to read at home as well as in school.

The youngsters get a point each time they do some reading at home and get a certificate when they reach milestones such as 25 or 50 reading sessions.

Their achievements are celebrated in special assemblies when parents are invited to come to the school and join in.