Published: 10/03/2010 08:59 - Updated: 10/03/2010 09:03

SCHOOLS in and around Ashbourne have been taking part in a national celebration of books and reading.

As part of World Book Day, pupils across the Ashbourne area have been taking part in a colourful and exciting activity, dressing up as their favourite book characters.

Pupils at Doveridge Primary School embraced the idea of a book day and took it a stage further — by devoting an entire week to their literary heroes.

On Thursday they dressed in character but it was only part of a long week of exciting activities, which included a sponsored read, a swap shop and a book fair.

At Norbury Primary School children centred their activities around the many fiction books in the school and, as well as dressing up as favourite characters, they wrote book reviews and gave presentations about their favourite books.

Meanwhile at St Oswald's Infant School, children started the day by spending breakfast with their families — sharing books and stories as they went.

All in character, they spent the day making bookmarks and learning about being and author. Pupils will be using their new writing skills to make a book for their parents called "Oswald the Elf."

 World Book Day, a national scheme to get children in to books and reading, also saw a visit to Ryecroft School, near Rocester by Levi Tafari, author of four poetry collections.

His plays have been performed at the Unity Theatre and the Playhouse in Liverpool, as well as at the Blackheath Theatre in Stafford. He has also worked on educational projects running creative writing workshops in schools, colleges, universities, youth centres, prisons and libraries.

Hill Top pupils were entertained by an in house production of The Elephant and The Bad Baby and then listened to a range of stories brought in by the children.