OOMPA Loompas, witches and Buzz Lightyear could be found in Uttoxeter as schools across the town celebrated the annual World Book Day.
It is the biggest celebration of its kind, designed by Unesco as a worldwide celebration of books and reading and is now in its 15th year.
Tynsel Parkes First School, in School Road, saw children arrive at school dressed as their favourite book characters, as did Picknalls First School, in Oldfields Road, and Midway Academy, in Bramshall Road.
Oldfields Hall Middle School, in Stone Road, also had staff and children dress up and the three winners of the Best Dressed Character were announced. Year five pupils had a World Book Day Disco at lunchtime and the prizes were handed out.
To coincide with the national event, the school also held a book fair.
Thomas Alleyne’s High School, in Dove Bank, held its sixth annual House Lit’ Quiz in front of a packed school theatre.
Pupils in Year nine battled it out to see who would be chosen to represent their house and the defending champions, Torrance house, had an all-girls team hoping to retain the trophy.
Their opponents from Whitmore and Elkes houses fielded all-boy teams with only Orme house, winners from 2006 to 2008, fielding a mixed team of two boys and two girls.
Cheeky Monkey Day Nursery, in Cheadle Road, saw the youngsters dress as their favourite book characters and enjoyed a special grandparents’ story time.
More information on the event is available at www.worldbookday.com.
