Pupils from schools across Suffolk and Essex have been celebrating this year’s World Book Day in style by dressing up and getting involved with a host of book-related activities.

Children at Capel St Mary Primary School got into the spirit by dressing in pyjamas and onesies for a bedtime story.

At various times throughout the day, the school bell rang signalling the chance for the youngsters to settle down with a book.

Wendy Kelway, headteacher at the school, said: “There has been coverage on the news recently about the importance of the bedtime story, so that is why we went for that as a theme.”

Other schools including Cliff Lane Primary School in Ipswich, Manningtree High School and Sir Robert Hitcham’s Primary School in Framlingham have asked children to dress as their favourite characters and at one school children have decorated a potato to represent their top tale.

A spokesperson from Sir Robert Hitcham’s Primary School, said it was: “like the whole library came to life on the playground”, with Harry Potters, Pippi Longstockings, Cinderellas and Paddington Bears among the most popular character choices.”

At Kesgrave High School, pupils became roving reporters for the day, interviewing teachers about what their favourite books were.

English teacher Lauren Hunwicks said: “We are really trying to do things to promote talking about reading, and pass on that love of reading to other people.”

Other schools which brought the pages of their favourite books to life through fancy dress included Tollgate Primary School, Moreton Hall Preparatory School and Barrow Primary School in Bury St Edmunds, and East Bergholt High School.

St Joseph’s College in Ipswich was treated to a visit by bestselling author Andrew Hammond, writer of the CRYPT books, who led a question and answer session and creative writing workshops.

He said: “The questions the pupils asked were insightful and mature. The quality of their creative writing was sensational and, perhaps most importantly of all, they exuded confidence and well-being.”

Suffolk Libraries also held a number of events across the day, including Southwold Library Manager Charlotte Clark leading craft and reading activities dressed as the tiger from The Tiger who came to tea, while Ipswich County Library hosted children from St Helen’s Primary School for a library tour and fairytale activities.

As part of the national event, all school pupils receive a £1 book token to spend in March.

Parents have been sharing photos on our Facebook page today - see our gallery.

Have your children dressed up for World Book Day? Send your pictures to newsroom@archant.co.uk.