Books are bound to be fun!

That was the message as children across the district dressed up to enjoy activities to celebrate World Book Day.

Pupils turned up as their favourite book characters at Oldfield Primary School.

The force was definitely with the children as ‘Darth Vader’, of Star Wars fame, opened the school’s newly refurbished library.

“The school council wanted a quiet, calming area, which we think we’ve achieved with new soft carpeting, bean bags and less clutter,” said headteacher Fiona Lidstone-Green.

“The library will also be open to families to encourage reading at home, as well as in school.”

Children and staff dressed as characters ranging from Bilbo Baggins to Harry Potter at Steeton Primary School. A fancy dress winner from each class received a book token, and the day culminated with a books-themed assembly.

Activities were organised by literacy co-ordinator Susan Whitford.

Deputy headteacher Kevin Wheeler said: “The day went very well, and everyone – children and staff – enjoyed it. The idea was to foster an encouragement of reading.”

There was a Roald Dahl theme to World Book Day events at Kildwick Primary School, where pupils and staff donned costumes, portraying characters including The Twits and umpa lumpas.

“We had various activities centred around books, including sketching characters, and the older ones did a fashion show,” said headteacher Debbie Cooksey. “It was very successful.”

Pupils and staff also dressed up at Merlin Top Primary School in Guard House.

And year six youngsters took on the role of teachers, going into each class to read and explore books, watch film clips, lead activities and support pupils’ learning.

There were also competitions, with winners receiving book tokens.

Lauren Williams, the school’s literacy co-ordinator, said: “The day was a great success, and year six did a fabulous job arranging and organising activities for the whole school.”

Staff got into the spirit of the event at Strong Close Nursery School and Children’s Centre in Keighley by joining children with a huge array of costumes – from The Tiger Who Came To Tea and Little Red Riding Hood to Funnybones and Snow White.

Deputy headteacher Julie Groves said: “Parents were also invited to come to nursery to share books with the children, and joining in with the fun of the day we even had a dad who was brave enough to come along dressed as Superman!”

Youngsters at Bridge House Day Nursery in Steeton dressed as their favourite book characters, including Gruffalo, Goldilocks, Robin Hood and the scarecrow from the Wizard Of Oz.