Schools around the country were over-run with famous book characters for World Book Day on Thursday and those in and around Falmouth and Penryn were no different.

Most primary schools in the area chose to take part in celebrating books and all they contribute to the world, with the majority of children jumping at the chance to ditch their school uniforms for the day and come dress as their favourite character.

There were, as expected, several Harry Potters to be seen, but also characters from more traditional tales, including the likes of Cruella de Vil, Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter, as well as even a Jack, complete with his giant beanstalk.

At St Mary's School in Falmouth, the theme for the day was "stories from around the world," while at nearby St Francis School the children were not asked to dress as book characters, but to bring in pyjamas and their favourite bedtime story. During the afternoon, pupils were then invited to put on their night-ware and share their books with each other.

The whole of Falmouth Primary Academy, both juniors and infants, dressed up, as did many of the staff. King Charles School in Falmouth had a full day of events, starting with a whole school assembly and continuing with charades, KCT Time when children shared their favourite books with their buddy, author and illustrator research, character study and designing book bunting to decorate the library.

Penryn Primary Academy's pupils embraced the book character theme and were lucky enough to have two special visitors - authors Craig Green and Veronica Lamond. While Craig entertained the junior children with his book, Captured! The Incredible True Story of Thomas Pellow; Veronica, who has written and illustrated the Landybooks, was over with the infant children. The author visits was possible thanks to funding from the Friends of Penryn Primary Academy.

The youngsters at the Crypt Pre-School also got into the spirit of the day, showing how magical books can be. Every child received a book token to enable them to get their free £1 book, and took part in Dress Up to Change Lives for Book Aid International.

In Penryn, the children of Trelowan Preschool dressed up and invited their parents to join them for a story session. This followed previous parent sessions when they had joined the children for yoga, pancakes and rhyme time on.