Budding bookworms at Holwell Primary School have dressed up as their favourite characters as part of World Book Day.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Author Martin Harman speaks to pupils of Holwell Primary School to celebrate World Book Day 2018. Picture: Danny LooAuthor Martin Harman speaks to pupils of Holwell Primary School to celebrate World Book Day 2018. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

The nationwide event is a celebration of authors, illustrators and books, and aims to help encourage children to explore the pleasure of reading.

Deputy headteacher at the WGC school, Angela Adams, said Little Red Riding Hood, Matilda and Harry Potter were among those who arrived this morning, adding there is “a real buzz about the place”.

As part of the day, author Alexander Martin delivered a presentation about his Stanley Smartpants novels, and will be offering top tips on how to write a book.

The deputy head added: “The children are all super excited. The author has come in to do an assembly and talk about his books and do some writing workshops.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Author Martin Harman speaks to pupils of Holwell Primary School to celebrate World Book Day 2018. Picture: Danny LooAuthor Martin Harman speaks to pupils of Holwell Primary School to celebrate World Book Day 2018. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

“So they are all excited about that.

“As a school, we are also taking part in the ‘Achievement for All’ 100 million minutes. This is where across the country, the aim is for children to read for a total of 100 million minutes to promote the benefits of regular reading.

“The children are all looking fantastic and having a fabulous day.”

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Author Martin Harman speaks to pupils of Holwell Primary School to celebrate World Book Day 2018. Picture: Danny LooAuthor Martin Harman speaks to pupils of Holwell Primary School to celebrate World Book Day 2018. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)