HOLLYCOMBE Primary School held a Paddington-themed celebration last week to mark World Book Day.

Pupils were invited to explore any ideas connected to the stowaway bear who arrived from Peru and was adopted by a family fom London after being found at Paddington railway station.

They designed and made their own suitcases and filled them with their favourite items. Some children brought along their favourite Paddington story or toy and others dressed up as the Bear or characters from the Michael Bond books, with one child turning up disguised as a jar of marmalade.

In preparation pupils watched some of the original Paddington TV series in school, as well as reading a few of the books.

They also watched the latest Paddington film to compare different interpretations of the stories.

Meanwhile, children from Liphook infant and junior schools were invited to dress up as a book character of their choice for World Book Day.

They amazed everyone with their creativity, ingenuity and sense of fun – with staff joining in and dressing up as well. Certificates were given to those children whose costumes stood out.

Executive headteacher Michele Frost told The Herald: “Reading is such an integral part of the children’s education, and it was wonderful to see the effort that had been made with their fabulous costumes.”