Young pirates from across Ipswich set sail for Waterstones on Saturday to celebrate World Book Day alongside a top children’s author.

Colchester-born novelist Will Mabbitt returned to Ipswich, where he worked for a number of years, to join in the fun, signing copies of his Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones series.

“This is my second ever book signing,” Mr Mabbitt, now based in Brighton said. “It’s gone very well and it’s nice the shop has gone to lots of effort.”

Staff dressed up in their best buccaneer costumes for the occasion, while the store also had a host of treasures including craft activities, games and puzzles for the young pirates to plunder.

Jem Gooding from the store said: “Kids love pirates and there are a lot of new books and current books for each age group.

“They all seem happy and having an author like Will in is just brilliant.”