Hundreds of characters came to life last week as schools around Surrey and East Hampshire ditched the uniforms and celebrated World Book Day.

The school run turned from the mundane to the magical with Harry Potter, Paddington Bear, witches and astronauts making the leap from pages to the real world.

Youngsters and teachers at St Mary’s Infant School in Frensham embraced the opportunity to get creative

Things got very arr-musing in the classroom with pupils being given a lesson by the Cat in the Hat and a pirate, although no-one was made to walk the plank.

Preparations for WBD began a week ahead of the big day at Binsted Primary School as pupils went on a shopping trip to Waterstones in Alton.

Each class was treated to a minibus trip to the High Street store, giving pupils a chance to spend their World Book Day vouchers.

“We believe in the power of books and reading – it can transform lives and empower young people,” said the school’s headteacher, Henry Jennings.

“Reading is so important in building imagination and teaching children lessons for life.”

He added: “A school trip was a great way to hook children in and provide them with a memorable experience which will support their wellbeing and help to develop their love of reading for pleasure.”

Tash Ralph, whose daughter attends Binsted Primary School, said she started reading her book straight away.

She said: “It was so lovely to see my daughter’s excitement when she came home clutching the book she ‘paid for’ by herself with her voucher.”

William Cobbett pupils came to school in some terrific costumes with crocodiles, Mr Men characters and Willy Wonka among the impressive efforts. Check out the video on our website (www.farnhamherald.com) for more examples.

There was a slight variation to the festivities at Fernhurst Primary School as pupils dressed up as vocabulary instead of book characters. The dressing-up was part of a week of events which included visits from author Timothy Knapman, illustrator Harrier Russell and poet Stewart Henderson.

There was also a “cuddle up with a book” family reading event with headteacher, Jennifer Thornton, and the school community thoroughly enjoying the event.

She said: “We had a fantastic time for World Book Day this year, with pupils enjoying dressing up.

“We hope the day will encourage our children to develop a love of reading that will stay with them throughout their whole lives.”

A book is not just for a day, it’s for five days at West Meon Primary School as WBD was part of Book Week.

Pupils ended the week by dressing up as their favourite book characters while the programme included a field trip to Petersfield Library. Children took part in activities to improve their knowledge and signed up for library cards.

“I enjoyed the scavenger hunt and we had fun finding different types of books,” said Connie from Foxes Class.

Headteacher Julie Slamaker said: “Reading and books are a priority in primary education.”