PUPILS at schools across Halesowen and Sandwell dressed up their favourite fictional characters and took part in activities to mark World Book Day.

Among the schools that marked the day onThursday, were Ormiston Forge Academy, Cradley Heath, where pupils raised £260 for national literacy charity, Beanstalk, which supports children with poor literacy skills in deprived areas of the country.

Book retailer Waterstone’s visited the school and all pupils were given a World Book Day token, while year seven youngsters received a free book.

Prizes were given to those with the most original ideas in their dressing up, while at Windsor High School, Halesowen, it was the English teachers who donned the costumes of their favourite book characters.

Staff presented their best books to years seven and 10, storytelling sessions were held along with a short story competition and pupils also received book vouchers.