PUPILS around the North East have been transformed into some of their favourite fictional characters as they celebrated World Book Day.

Cinderella, an Oompa Loompa and The Gruffalo were all spotted around the region as World Book Day was celebrated in schools.

The annual event celebrates reading for pleasure, and pupils at The King’s Junior School in Tynemouth, North Tyneside, were among those taking part. The school started their celebrations early with a storytelling breakfast, and a competition was held to make a board game based on a story.

This was won by Laura King, 11, from Holystone, for her board game based on The Perfect Pet Vet, with a special prize going to Eve Pirie, seven, from Benton for her Beauty and the Beast noughts and crosses game.

King’s librarian Julie Angel said: “It’s been an exciting day that has involved the whole of the junior school, staff and parents and has raised awareness of reading for pleasure.”

At Church High School in Jesmond, the children wowed teachers with their costumes.

Isobel Helsby turned up to lessons dressed as an Oompa Loompa, while Sophie Wright was Cinderella, Sophie Platt was Sleeping Beauty and Elena Bagett was Barbie, from Barbie and the Musketeers.

Children from Central First School in Ashington, Northumberland, joined in the fun by dressing up and taking part in a range of fun games and activities to encourage a love of reading.

Pupils at Westfield School in Gosforth were joined by CJ Daugherty, author of the best-selling Night School series of teen novels, for the day.

Youngsters at Gosforth East Middle School in Newcastle also joined in with a range of activities designed to encourage reading for pleasure.

And pupils at Benfield School in Newcastle turned up for lessons in a variety of costumes and took part in competitions throughout the day.