A SWASHBUCKLING pirate, graceful ballerina and schoolboy wizard Harry Potter were just some of the impressive costumes as youngsters celebrated their favourite literary characters.

Children at Wilby Primary School arrived for their lessons in fancy dress as part of their activities for World Book Day.

They were also treated to a visit from top children’s author Julia Jarman, who is well known for her Big Red Bath and The Time Travelling Cat series.

The Bedfordshire based writer spent time with the children talking on the theme of “journeys”. She also did a variety of workshops for different classes and explained the process of writing a book, encouraging pupils to put pen to paper and create their own stories.

Roisin Wiseman, assistant headteacher, said: “It was a fantastic day and everyone enjoyed themselves. There was a wonderful atmosphere.

“Julia was brilliant and talked to the children about her books and how she believed every story was a journey - whether it was getting from one place to another or a journey of self development.

“She was very on the children’s level and some even shared their stories with her so she was able to give some feedback.

“We want to get the children inspired about writing and raise awareness about being an author, showing them that anything is possible.”