WITCHES, princesses and even a tiger turned up to schools across the Vale and the Cotswolds to celebrate World Book Day.

St Richard’s First School, in Evesham, got into character last Thursday and were awarded prizes for the best-dressed in each class and received a £1 book voucher.

Harry Potter fans were treated to a special appearance from a motorcycle and side car – as seen in the latest film – made by Watsonian Squire, in Blockley.

Roger Randall, reception and admin assistant, said: “The kids enjoy dressing up at the best of times but it was a particularly good event on Thursday. The standard of costumes was very high.”

Creative students at Fladbury First School even got their parents involved ahead of the celebrations by getting them to photograph them reading in unusual places for a display at school.

Headteacher Julie Wilson said: “World Book Day provides the perfect opportunity for children to get creative about their reading.

The children have shown lots of enthusiasm and we’ve had some great costumes.”

Children and staff at Eckington School also took part in the celebrations by dressing up as book characters on Thursday.

Headteacher Gail Whiting said: “All the children and staff dressed up as characters from books. It was great fun.”

Fantasy fiction Author Mark Robson popped in to Prince Henry’s High School, Evesham, last Wednesday and gave a talk to Year 9 students about his work and his career.

A book swap and quiz was also held as part of the celebrations.

Meanwhile in the Cotswolds, the children at Swell School enjoyed dressing up as their favourite book characters and were visited by local author and script writer Marita Phillips.

The Dream Dealer author told the children all about her career and read them extracts of her latest book before signing copies.

Over at Chipping Campden School, grizzly tales of the past were retold by the award-winning Viking Gold author Victoria Campbell. The students got some tips on writing novels and even got their hands on some real Viking treasure and weapons which brought out the students’ inner warrior.