THE magic of fairy tales came true for the children of St Patrick's RC Primary School, in Consett, recently.

For pupils and staff alike dressed up as story book characters to celebrate World Book Day and to raise money to send books to children in the Third World.

Even headmaster Ted Young got into the spirit of the day when he came to school in his night clothes, just like Wee Willie Winkie, to mark the general theme of bed time reading.

"It's about the fourth year we've done this and it was once again a tremendous success," said Mr Young.

"The key for us is really to get the message across to children just how important and how much fun reading a good book can be.

"We have worried about how much children are reading but things like the Harry Potter books and the Lord of the Rings for our older children have helped encourage children to read again."

All the participants paid 50p for the privilege of coming to school in their fantastical outfits raising about £130 for Book Aid International.