YOUNGSTERS dressed up in their favourite story-time characters to mark World Book Day.

YOUNGSTERS dressed up in their favourite story-time characters to mark World Book Day.

Children in schools, toddler groups and nurseries took part in the event, part of the National Year of Reading.

At Nacton Primary School, the 86 children dressed as nursery rhyme characters, while staff joined in, too.

Headteacher Liz Ditton said: “We had a wonderful response.

“Among a variety of characters were a blind mouse, cats with fiddles, a cow jumping over the moon, three men in a boat, several Queen of Hearts, Grand Old Duke of York with his men, a cat and so many Bo Peeps, a flock of sheep must have been lost!”

Students at Orwell Park, Nacton, also joined in the fun - dressing up as their favourite book characters.

Teachers also got into the spirit with head Paul Forte appearing as pilot Biggles, a hero from yesteryear, while among the others were the Artful Dodger, Cruella de Ville and the Emperor of China.

At Felixstowe Library children had a visit from Elmer the Elephant and all received a World Book Day £1 book token.

The event was part of the regular Bookstart session for mums and tots at the library in Crescent Road.

At Whitehouse Junior School in Ipswich, children were in fine voice as they helped break a Guinness World Record.

Pupils read aloud at the same time as children from hundreds of schools across the country.

Maureen Fountain, literacy coordinator, said: “The children love dressing up and playing pirates and fairies and are really excited to be part of a world record attempt.”

Should more be done to encourage children to pick up a book? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk