Pages were turned, words lept to life and stories were read out loud for World Book Day across Norfolk yesterday.

Both children and adults alike joined in the country's biggest annual celebration of books and reading.

In Norwich, Norfolk author Tom Blofeld read to children from the Little People's Montessori Nursery School on Magdalen Road while at City Academy students were each donated a book by a local GP practice.

Emma Clough, owner of the Little People's Montessori Nursery on Magdalen Road, said: 'The thing that really struck the children the most was that children all over the world would be reading books today.

'Some of the children brought books with them which have come from around the world.

'It is the idea that we are all doing the same thing on the same day.'

At Gisleham Middle School, near Lowestoft, as dozens of pupils dressed up as Harry Potter characters.

Students donned wizard cloaks and bizarre looking costumes, including a werewolf, as they portrayed their favourite characters.

Librarian Linda Spendlove said: 'I think any day that is literally dedicated to books is very important for pupils.'

Pupils at St Martin at Shouldham, near Downham Market, could be forgiven for smelling several rats on Thursday when the Pied Piper of Hamelin was the subject for the day.

The school always takes part in World Book Day but this was the first time a single title was the theme for the entire event.

'We had a drama consultant come to the school just before half-term and he spoke about the Pied Piper so that was the title we chose for World Book Day. There were lots of rats in school - including some members of staff,' said subject leader for literacy Miss Marianne Taylor.

'I think the children get a lot from it - they also all brought in their favourite books and there was quite a wide variety,' she added.