Wonderful words telling terrific tales took over the timetable at Upton Juniors in Broadstairs for a celebration of reading.

Children and staff dressed as their favourite characters from the world of literature with amazing outfits on show in classrooms, corridors and on the school playground and fields.

A wide range of fun learning activities to suit all age groups were popular as Upton celebrated the annual World Book Day.

These included a Mad Hatters book cafe where they enjoyed tea, cakes and shared books; decorating a rock to celebrate reading and then placing them around the school for others; paired reading with other year groups; creating 'reading identity' posters; taking part in quizzes about children's literature and redesigning their favourite book cover and rewriting the blurb on the back.

The school also held a staff swap where the teachers read to children in a different class.

Head of School Darci Arthur praised the efforts of the Upton team for creating a memorable day. She said: “It was a fabulous whole school event with teachers choosing their own activities to give a real breadth of opportunity to all our children and reinforce their love of the written word in all its wonderful forms.

“The atmosphere throughout the school was brilliant; it was buzzing with the love of reading."

Joint English Leads at Upton are Stevie Bunce and Emily Watkins. They said: “World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to discover new ways into reading and it was lovely to see the enthusiasm of the pupils.

“Whether that is by enjoying fiction, non-fiction, comics, graphic novels, magazines or audio books, Upton believes that there is a way for everyone to read for pleasure. It was fantastic to see the children in their fabulous party clothes and brilliant costumes.

“A highlight was having our Year 6 pupils meet up with our Year 3 pupils for some shared reading in the sunshine. It was lovely to hear them explore and discuss the texts together.”

Upton Junior School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Chilton Primary School and Ramsgate Arts Primary School.

*For more information contact Head of School Darci Arthur on 01843 861393.