YOUNG bookworms have been dressing as their favourite characters for a week celebrating World Book Day.

The children from Jellybabies Nursery and Pre School, based at Longbridge Methodist Church, came dressed as a character from their favourite books, along with bringing a book from home to share with their friends.

During the week youngsters took part in a rhyming challenge, which is based on research that shows if children know eight nursery rhymes before the age of four they are among the best readers by the time that they are eight.

They also acted out nursery rhymes, participated in rhyming lottos, learned new nursery rhymes with makaton sign language, among other activities to help their enjoyment of nursery rhymes.

Jacqueline Walker, the nursery manager, said: "The main aim of World Book Day is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own.

"The children all received a World Book Day token."