SCHOOLS across Worcestershire celebrated the joy of reading, listening and stories on World Book Day.

Primary and secondary schools organised book swaps and visits by authors, while some children even dressed up as their favourite literary characters yesterday.

Abberley Hall School, in Great Witley, near Worcester, invited popular storyteller Ben Heggarty to talk to the pupils and promote the fun of the day.

"He prefers not to read from a book, but to ask the pupils what they enjoy in a story and use props and the tone in his voice to act it out," said Chris Jackson, headmistress of the pre-prep school.

"Our pupils read a great deal anyway, but he had the entire school mesmerised - it was amazing."

Abberley Hall students also introduced their own recycling programme by bringing in books they had finished reading to swap them with their fellow students.

"The whole school took part and we had hundreds in the end," said Mrs Jackson.

"We also gave each student a book and it was a fantastic day."

At St Mary's Convent's prep school, in Mount Battenhall, Worcester, author Elizabeth Lindsay dropped in to help celebrate World Book Day.

She spoke to the girls and even led a writing workshop, while admiring the costumes of those in Years 3 to 6, who dressed up as their favourite characters.

By bringing in £1 each they also raised money for the "Books for Africa" charity appeal.

Alice Ottley School, in the Tything, Worcester, also marked the occasion by dressing up as literary characters, with a prize in each age group for the most imaginative costume.

"It was wonderful for the children to see their favourite characters come to life," said Marion Lloyd, head of the junior school, Springfield.

Dressing up was also the order of the day at Warndon Junior School and Broadheath Primary School.