Pupils display real character

Children at the Summerlea Primary School transformed into everything from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’s orange-faced Umpa Lumpas, to Dr Suess’ Cat in the Hat and even a couple of gingerbread men to top things off.

And even if some costumes were not strictly within the bounds of books, such as Top Gear’s driver extraordinaire, The Stig, and cowboys and soldiers, they all looked impressive and certainly added to the experience of the day, admitted head teacher Jane Blackman.

“It’s a brilliant tradition that we have taken part in at the school for a few years,” she said.

“But I think this year’s diversity of costumes and effort put in to create them has been fantastic. I would say it’s been the best turnout to date.”

Reception pupil Jessica Dyckes was hailed as one of the top dressed by the school for her Gruffalo outfit.

Others to be praised for their efforts included nine-year-old Aidan Kimber, who amused his class by dressing up as David Walliams’ Gangster Granny, with year-one pupil Ethan Williams earning his own golden ticket as one of Roald Dahl’s Umpa Lumpas. Teachers also got into the spirit of things, treating youngsters to a rib-tickling performance of their own book day play.

In the afternoon, the pupils also took part in a live internet broadcast with famous authors.