THERE was plenty of magic, mystery and adventure in Bolton as schools celebrated World Book Day.

Harry Potter, Willy Wonka, Alice In Wonderland and even the frightening Ms Trunchball could be seen in school corridors as pupils and teachers transformed into popular storybook characters to celebrate the day.

Turton School, in Bromley Cross, Tonge Moor Primary, St Joseph’s RC School, in Halliwell, and St Thomas’ CE School, in Halliwell, all took part.

Laura Aspen, an English teacher at Turton, dressed as Ms Trunchball. She said: “Years Seven, Eight and Nine were invited to dress as their favourite characters and we had a fantastic response.

“We all stayed in character and took part in different activities, including a treasure hunt in the library and book quizzes.

“There were books which I hadn’t come across before and will now read.”

World Book Day coincided with the opening of a new library at Tonge Moor Primary and staff and pupils dressed up as characters from Snow White.

Headteacher Anne Read said: “Children develop a real love of reading during their time in the school.

“As an International Baccalaureate school, this is central to becoming global citizens, ready for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”

At St Joseph’s, celebrations began at the start of the week with staff sharing their favourite book with the school. Yesterday, parents went into school to read with their children in the lower years, while older classes joined together with the younger children to read.

A Where’s Wally competition was held where a member of staff dressed as Wally was sent to read a book in an unusual place and the children had to guess where she was.

Deputy headteacher Vanessa Knowles said: “The children loved this idea and there was lots of discussion about where we could read.

The day ended with a character catwalk show as children and staff showed off their wonderful creations.

At St Thomas’ the variety of costumes was celebrated in an assembly with each class parading in front of the school.

David Parr, literacy co-ordinator and Year Three/Four class teacher, said: “World Book Day is a wonderful opportunity to share literature with child in a fun and engaging way, bringing the written word to life.”