YOUNG bookworms had a peach of a day as they transformed into their favourite literary characters to celebrate the works of Roald Dahl.

Hundreds of pupils at Reid Street Academy, in Darlington, dressed as Oompa Loompas, big friendly giants, evil witches, wicked grannies and a host of other fictional fantasy figures from the renowned storyteller’s classic children’s books.

Academy co-principal Paula Ayto said: “Roald Dahl is a hugely popular author and the children really enjoy becoming their favourite characters which they know so well.

“Even the staff have been dressing up and anyone who didn’t want to wear a costume could still join in by wearing Roald Dahl’s favourite colour yellow.”

The school also employs its own reading champion, Chris Forster, who helped to organise the day.

Prizes of Roald Dahl books were presented by the chair of governors Carol Saunders to the two best dressed characters from each year group.

“I have been amazed at some of the outfits today,” she said. “Parents and children have obviously gone to a lot of effort to create such magnificent costumes.

“Days like this provide a lot of fun for both teaching staff and students while also helping to improve literacy which is so important.”

The school is also part of the Darlington Cares initiative which sees trained readers from within the community come in to school for reading sessions with pupils.