Children enjoy Dr Who in the library

A packed session at the town’s library saw 35 five to 11-year-olds become absorbed with Dr Who and his accomplices and enemies.

The half-term activities took place last Friday to mark the Doctor’s impending 50th anniversary.

Pride of place went to a 5ft high Dalek – complete with flashing lights – which was made by library employee Zoe Lucas and her friends.

They also created artwork to decorate one of the walls of the library’s children’s section.

Those who became the Doctor’s assistants for the morning included Amber Macrae, ten.

She said: “We are drawing a storybook all about Dr Who.

“We started off with a Tardis with him coming out of it and now we are drawing a Dalek.

“I’ve only just got into Dr Who. I find it quite amusing.”

Amber visits the library every week during the holidays to stock up on her favourite books as well in term times.

“I like non-fiction best,” she said, “because I can learn quite a bit more from them. Fiction books help me relax.

“I’ve completed the summer reading challenge every year since I was four and I’m also involved with the West Sussex Book Awards so I get to learn about a lot of books.”

The activities were led by Chichester and Bognor children’s librarian Kerry Brookes.

She said: “The turnout we have had here has been really good.

“I began by reading the first chapter of the Dr Who story, Death Riders.

“The children could either carry on with the story or make up their own story.”

There were also Weeping Angel masks with which they could have fun as well as plenty of new Dr Who books which were available for reading and borrowing.

“This is all about encouraging children to use the library and share a love of stories,” said Kerry.