Willy Wonka, Where’s Wally and Winnie the Witch were just some of the book character personas youngsters and teachers took on for World Book Day in Hackney this year.

Dr Seuss also proved popular, with many children dressing up as the Cat in the Hat, Thing One or The Grinch.

At Queensbridge primary school in Queensbridge Road, Haggerston, characters taken on included Dr Who, Jane Austin, Harry Potter, the Artful Dodger from Oliver Twist, a couple of Burglar Bills, Meg and Mog and even one of the parents joined in as Winnie the Witch.

“This brings books to life, and it’s inspired the children,” said headteacher Sarah Bailey, who was dressed up as Where’s Wally?

“Their homework was to go away and make their own little book, it’s inspired them to think how to plan a story, the editing skills required and the illustration needed to bring the text alive,” she added.

Meanwhile at Northwold Primary School in Northwold Road, Upper Clapton, where Horrid Henry was the most popular choices, children showed off their costumes in a catwalk show.

“It’s one of the best days in the school,” said headteacher Alison Kriel.

“The staff and the children were all really excited about the costumes they were wearing.

“Although we still have a lot of Disney, they are thinking about other book titles, and we even had the baddy from Lemony Snicket.

The excitement is not yet over, as each door was decorated to lead into a story and children are still touring the school to hear the different tales.

World Book Day UK is the biggest celebration of books and reading in the world, and was launched by former Prime Minister Tony Blair in 1998.

See The Gazette on Thursday for a double page picture spread.