Characters ranging from Harry Potter to Snow White appeared at Anstey Junior School in Alton as children and teachers celebrated World Book Day on March 6.

Headteacher Emma Humphrey said: “Staff and adults at Anstey absolutely love joining in with World Book Day, and this year was no exception.

“We enjoyed so many reading activities such as book swaps, whole school story time and creating story spoons.

“However, the best bit by far was seeing everyone dress up as a book character and hearing children and adults talk about their love of reading.”

Mrs Humphrey explained that the school had been given some help to enjoy the day.

She said: “The generous donation of costumes from ​Rubies and Parentkind meant that everyone who wanted to dress up, could.

“I enjoyed getting into character as Gangsta Granny by stealthily stealing all the house points from the classrooms and anything shiny in the dinner hall.

“At one point I managed to get someone's shiny boot in my swag bag, which the children thought was hilarious!”

Children also took part in several virtual lessons with authors, and Year 4 pupils had a Harry Potter themed quidditch match as their PE lesson.

But Mrs Humphrey stressed that there was also a serious purpose behind all the dressing up fun.

She said: “As educators, we understand the importance of instilling a positive reading culture from an early age - we want to encourage our children to explore and love texts in many forms.

“We also know that by securing reading skills, we help children to open up huge opportunities to learn about the world around them and become learners for life.

“A big thank you to our parents and carers for helping our children to fully immerse themselves into World Book Day 2025 by making and providing them with fabulous costumes!”