AN army of Highway Rats, Harry Potters, Gruffalos and even an inflatable panda streamed through the school gates for a day of literature-based fun.

Excited children at Delamere Academy dressed as their favourite characters as part of World Book Day.

Each classroom was set up in different ways to mark the occassion – including circus tents, mysterious worlds and even crime scenes. 

Assistant headteacher, Ricky Huddart said: “Reading is so important here at Delamere, something we all truly love.

"It is so nice that we are able to mark this love of reading in such a special way for the children.

"The theme of the day was to share a story and each year group chose a book as a focus for the day.

"The staff worked so hard to make it a day to remember, decorating the classrooms to really hook the children in.

"We love to share new texts with the children and this is the perfect way to do it.

"I’d also like to thank the parents for all of their efforts in helping the children look their best and for bringing in their favourite stories to share, all of which added to the magic of the day.”

The Stoney Lane school is part of North West Academies Trust (NWAT), which includes St Martin’s, Oak View, Weaverham Primary Academy, Ellesmere Academy, Acton, Calverley and Rudheath Senior Academy.

Delamere was recently named one of the top schools in the country in the annual Parent Power report by The Times. 

It has also won Platinum status for sporting provision and is one of the first in the country to receive the Wellbeing Award for Schools.