Fun costumes tell a story (From Gazette & Herald)

Fun costumes tell a story

Uniforms were swapped for fancy dress outfits in schools across Ryedale last Thursday when pupils dressed up as their favourite storybook characters to mark World Book Day.

Sleeping Beauty, Harry Potter, Rapunzel, Angelina Ballerina and Postman Pat were just some of the characters portrayed.

The main aim of the day was to encourage children to read books.

Mavis Donaldson, acting headteacher at Gillamoor CE School, where staff also dressed up, said: "It was a brilliant day.

"It really helped illustrate how important books are."

Pupils at Gillamoor reviewed their favourite books. They also received a visit from Jenny Green, from Thornton-le-Dale, who gave them a talk about a school in Gambia.

Mrs Donaldson said this helped pupils appreciate how fortunate they were to have access to a wide range of books. Gillamoor pupils who came in fancy dress paid a pound to charity.

The origins of World Book Day come from Catalonia, where roses and books were given as gifts to loved ones on St George's Day - a tradition started some 80 years ago.

As well as dressing up last Thursday, St Benedict's School, in Ampleforth, enjoyed a visit from new novelist Katie Grant earlier in the week.

She read from her book Blood Red Horse - a story about horses during the time of the Crusades.

Last Friday, they also had a visit from BBC Radio, which was gaining feedback from pupils on the visit of well-known author Gervais Phinn. He gave readings from some of his books last term at St Benedict's.

Updated: 12:51 Wednesday, March 10, 2004