HARRY Potter, Alice in Wonderland, The Twits and James and the Giant Peach were among the many heroes who turned up to Felsted Preparatory School. The youngsters were dressed as characters from their favourite books to help celebrate World Book Day. Throu

HARRY Potter, Alice in Wonderland, The Twits and James and the Giant Peach were among the many heroes who turned up to Felsted Preparatory School.

The youngsters were dressed as characters from their favourite books to help celebrate World Book Day.

Throughout the day the children enjoyed sitting in the reading tent with their favourite book or listening to others read. They also took part in a book swap.

The day proved to be a big hit. One parent, Sophy Aitken, said: "Learning a love for books is one of the greatest skills that a School can teach its pupils - Felsted certainly gave all their pupils an opportunity to get involved in World Book Day.

"My daughter is passionate about books and she came home delighted with two new books she had swapped."

World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and is marked in more than 100 countries around the globe. A main aim of the day is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading.

Meanwhile, it was a double privilege for Felsted Arts Festival to host Poet Laureate Andrew Motion for two separate talks.

In the afternoon Mr Motion delivered tailor-made words and read poetry to Sixth Form pupils studying A-Level English.He discussed much of his early life and how much of his success is owed to one particular teacher who inspired him from an early age.

In the evening Mr Motion spoke to an adult audience and read poetry that had inspired him. He talked about his role as Poet Laureate and explained that he felt for many reasons that perhaps the brief may in future be changed.

Arts festival director, Andrew Widdowson, said: "To hear a writer discuss his life and influences so vividly to our student audience was utterly inspiring.

"I am sure that all those young people present would have been quite moved by Andrews Motion's remarks.