YOUNGSTERS from Evesham and Pershore fell in love with reading again thanks to World Book Day.

Among those celebrating were children and staff from the Pinvin Federation dressed up as their favourite book characters.

Favourites such as Oliver Twist, The Worst Witch, Dorothy, Little Red Riding Hood, Bellatrix Lestrange, Harry Potter, Obelix, Mary Poppins, James Bond, Fantastic Mr Fox and a selection of Marvel Avengers graced the school corridors and classrooms of Pinvin CE First School and St Nicholas CE Middle School.

Both schools selected winners from each year group for the most unique or impressive fancy dress, and the pupils each received a book token as their prize.

During the day there was also a Drop Everything and Read session where teachers shared their own favourite childhood stories with their classes and children at the two schools were encouraged to share their books and read to each other.

Laura Smith, acting assistant headteacher, said: "It was a great opportunity to bring a love of books and reading across the curriculum for the whole day.

"Children and staff really embraced the occasion and made reading come alive.

"Children loved seeing the staff dress up and join in the event with them.”

At Pershore High School, year 8 pupils enjoyed a visit from Olivia Levez, a local teacher and writer.

She talked to students about her book The Island, which was published last year.

Students also dressed up as their favourite characters.

Meanwhile, pupils at St Andrews CE First School in Hampton, near Evesham, also donned a series of colourful outfits for the 20th World Book Day.