SCHOOLS across north Durham brought their favourite novels to life yesterday to celebrate World Book Day.

Children at St Hild's College Church of England Primary School in Gilesgate, Durham, dressed as characters from their favourite books, help raise cash for new books for their library.

Events during the day included a costume parade by each class, story telling by staff and a competition to design an original bookmark.

Children from the French club also told a traditional tale in French, to promote the school's teaching of modern foreign languages.

Meanwhile, children's author Kjarton Poskitt met youngsters from Tanfield Lea Junior School.

The man behind Murderous Maths entertained pupils by doing tricks with numbers during assembly.

Headteacher Kay Hemmings said: "It was hilarious. He was very, very funny. The children loved it.

"The purpose was to bring his book to life and get them interested in reading. As his books are about maths, it means we are combining literacy and numeracy."

Today, children and staff will also be attending school dressed as a character from their favourite books and a mass sleepover will be held in the school hall tonight involving 65 pupils.

At Durham High School for Girls, staff and students held a book sale and auction to raise money for St Catherine's School in Lesotho, Africa. Headteacher Mike Getty acted as auctioneer.