Cheers rang out as children's author David Bedford cut the ribbon on World Book Day.

Eastern Daily Press: The new library at Stibbard Primary School was opened by local author David Bedford. Picture: Ian BurtThe new library at Stibbard Primary School was opened by local author David Bedford. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant)

Pupils cheered as their school's bright new library opened.

Children's author David Bedford cut the ribbon at All Saints Primary School, at Stibbard, after spending a day reading and writing stories with young students.

Teacher Nicola Beardon, one of the staff who spearheaded the project, said: 'The library was an unattractive, unappealing place with furniture inappropriate in size for the age of the children and stocked with old, tired books biased towards older children. New brightly coloured furniture, swirly carpet and a secret reading den has transformed the space. Add in the amazing teamwork of staff and pupils to produce the artwork and we now have a library the children love to use.'

Artwork adorns the walls, including scary monsters, robots, a Gruffalo and signs pointing the way to a host of literary destinations including Narnia and Rivendell. Mrs Beardon said staff were determined to encourage children to enjoy reading.

'You learn to read, you read to learn,' she said. 'It's an absolute passion of ours to get children interested in books.'

The library is stocked with hundreds and hundreds of books, bought with a £5,000 grant from the Foyle Foundation.

Head Kathryn Batcock said: 'We're really delighted with the library. It's something a bit different and not too institutionalised.

'The place will really appeal to the children and hopefully nurture their love of books.

'It's been a huge team effort by all the staff, we've had them in painting the walls in their own time.'

Mr Bedford, who is based in north Norfolk, thanked the children for having him before he cut the ribbon. He added: 'I've seen your bright eyes, I've heard you laughing a lot.'

Teacher Sophie Cairns said: 'All the teachers and pupils have had a wonderful day today - it's been booktastic.'

Governor Keith Paterson, a retired teacher, said: 'Reading is so important. If you can't read properly by the time you leave primary school, you can't learn.'

Staff and pupils all wore fancy dress, with teachers cornering the market in crayon costumes. Only those taking a minibus test earlier in the day were let off.

Mrs Beardon, who wore a Hogwarts cloak, admitted: 'Last year, I was a very big crocodile.'

Are you celebrating something exciting at your school? E-mail chris.bishop@archant.co.uk