SCHOOLCHILDREN swapped their uniforms for pyjamas as they returned to the classroom after hours for a cosy bedtime story.

Dozens of youngsters from West Cornforth Primary School, near Ferryhill, ventured back to school after dark to take part in the first Books at Bedtime event.

Teacher Jane Brown said: “What we have been doing in school over the last few years is introducing a school library, with the aim of all of the children learning to love literacy.

“We want them to enjoy books and reading and we think it’s been really successful.

“Books at Bedtime leads on from that and we are so pleased that so many children have come back to school on a cold January night to enjoy a story.”

Around 60 pupils took part in the free event, donning onesies and dressing gowns to settle down with a hot chocolate before enjoying a story read by their teachers.

Each child was also given a book to take home from Chryalis Educational Books and Resources.

Headteacher Jill Hodgson said: “We have noticed a huge difference in the children’s vocabulary since we have introduced the library.

“The children love reading and we hope that by giving them a book to take home they will continue to read outside of school. We would love to run the event every term.”