SCHOOL children across Conwy dressed up as their favourite literary characters for World Book Day.

World Book Day, on Thursday, March 5, celebrates authors, illustrators and books. The event, which acts as a celebration of reading, is marked in more than 100 countries all over the world.

Ian Jones, head teacher of Llandudno’s Ysgol San Sior said: “Reading is one of the basic skills of learning and the foundation of education and is a key to opening so many doors in life. To quote a leading author of children’s books: ‘The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go’.”

John Mulley, a parent governor of St Joseph’s School, Colwyn Bay said: “This year pupils had the option of coming to school in their pyjamas and dressing gowns, and were asked to bring in their favourite bedtime story. We're aware of the growing financial pressures on parents and carers, and were conscious that dressing up in costumes for events such as World Book Day is another hidden cost of education. Ppils had time during the day to read their books, and to share their choices with their classmates. We were also able to take advantage of the unexpectedly nice weather to read outside in our newly redeveloped sensory garden.”

World Book Day is a charity which aims to give every child a book of their own.