Wizards, superheroes and princesses could be seen making their way into schools across West Cumbria this morning as youngsters marked World Book Day.

The annual celebration of reading and writing sees children of all ages going to school dressed up as their favourite characters.

Pupils at Arlecdon Primary School immersed themselves in the event - writing book reviews, blurbs and character descriptions, along with building 3D houses for characters.

Parents also came into school to read with their children and teaching staff dressed up as crayons from the book, The Day The Crayons Quit.

The school has been running a week-long reading week which will culminate in a poetry recital tomorrow.

Jasmine Jolliffe, senior teacher at the school, said: "They have absolutely loved it. I do believe it's beneficial for their education.

"It was nice to have the parental engagement and the children have loved seeing teachers dressed up as crayons."

Meanwhile, pupils at St James' Infant School in Whitehaven enjoyed dressing up as their favourite book characters and taking part in a danceathon to raise money for the NSPCC.

Headteacher Michael Craig said: "The children have had a fantastic day and as a school we have completed a range of activities linked to our favourite books. It’s fantastic to see so many children enthused about books."

Youngsters at Cleator Moor Nursery enjoyed a visit from The Wordsworth Trust who carried out rucksack and rhyme sessions.

Children enjoyed crafts, singing, dancing, engaging with puppets and learning about William Wordsworth.

Headteacher Lisa Wilson said: "They have had an absolutely lovely day. Obviously it's to celebrate World Book Day but it also helps build children's language skills which is an essential part of what we do in nursery."

Elsewhere, Bookwell Primary School in Egremont held a David Walliams inspired day with pupils dressing up as characters from his popular books, including Gangsta Granny and The Midnight Gang.

Youngsters took part in themed activities including a Gangsta Granny jewel hunt, catapult building and making rat burgers. There was also a competition for children to present their favourite story in a shoebox, with the winner being given a David Walliams book.

Sarah Fawcett, English Co-ordinator, said pupils had "thoroughly enjoyed" the activities.