BOOK Character Day as part of Book Week at Moor Park, near Ludlow certainly inspired all the children. The school was full of Harry Potter's and Tintins, Gruffalos and Cat in the Hats. Where's Wally could be seen at cake break happily chatting to Winnie the Witch, and fortunately the Tiger who came to tea left some for everyone else.

There was a serious purpose to the day too though. The aim was to inspire children to read books - something that does not happen automatically, especially with all the computer and electronic games available to children these days. Kevin Donnelly, head of English at Moor Park is hoping that seeing all their friends dressed as all these varied characters might tempt the children to pick up a new book rather than automatically reaching for their Ipad.

In addition to Book Character Day, local author Karen Wallace came to the school and gave talks to all the children about her books. Judging by the clamour to buy them afterwards, she certainly stirred up some enthusiasm. There was also a book swap in the library where the children could bring in books they had finished with, and chose a new one.

The final part of the Book Week saw the elder children from years four to eight sitting down with the younger ones and helping them with their reading. Lots of very different things happening, but all with the same aim - to encourage the children's love of reading.