THERE was a magical feel at Ivy Lane School this week when pupils celebrated their book week in style by wearing fancy dress to welcome author David Orme.

For the second year running, all the staff and pupils dressed up as their favourite book and children's television characters. Characters from the Noddy stories and, of course, Harry Potter were popular choices.

Mr Orme shared stories and poems such as Tracy Stands on One Leg and Ten Tired Tigers with the younger children, and encouraged budding junior authors to do some writing of their own.

The week began with a visit from John O'Brien, the former drama teacher at Hardenhuish School, who led drama games with years five and six.

On Tuesday, the Jack in the Box theatre company performed two plays. The younger students enjoyed a performance of the familiar favourite Puss in Boots, while the older ones watched the less well known Blitz and Pieces.

The pupils and their teddies had an early night on Wednesday, when they all wore their pyjamas for an evening of bedtime stories.

On Thursday storyteller Michael O'Leary visited the school and improvised tales with the props from his Story Box.

After the successful week, the school is now planning to repeat the event next year.