NURSERY rhymes and traditional verses brought poetry to life last week when primary school children celebrated World Book Day.

Pupils and staff at St Chad's RC School, in Witton Park, dressed as their favourite storybook characters to entertain each other and their parents.

Poems from Spike Milligan, the much-loved Owl and the Pussycat and nursery favourites were among the most popular pieces on a day which endorsed the school's commitment to reading.

Parents have helped establish a busy library where children can borrow books and read with volunteer Denise Hannon, who visits the school on Fridays.

Headteacher Catherine Holborn said: "We place great emphasis on books and reading and poetry has been our theme this term.

"When children bring books back to the library they discuss what they have read and write reviews.

"It encourages them to go to the public library and borrow books from there as well.

"We have lots of exciting new books at the moment and lots of incentives to encourage the children to read, especially boys who can be reluctant."