CHILDREN at Abberley Preschool celebrated World Book Day in style this year - and benefitted from almost £500 worth of new books as a result.

As well as a fancy-dress day, a teddy bears picnic and story time sessions, the children took part in a sponsored reading event, supported by local Usborne organiser Kerry from Beau's Bookshop.

The children were sponsored by friends and family to read, or be read, as many books as possible over a week, both at preschool and at home.

Despite the settings small size, the children, aged between two and four years old, raised £294 to put towards new books, which was then topped up by Beau's Bookshop to reach a total of £438 that was spent on books from the publisher Usborne Books at Home and School.

"The children were elated to receive their brilliant new books - all of which will aid in their learning and development through play," said Kerry, who added that similar reading challenges are available to facilities year-round. "If you would like to get involved in a sponsored reading event to increase a love of reading for pleasure, whilst also raising money for books for your preschool, nursery or school, please get in touch."

Abberley Preschool has recently been rated as an Outstanding setting by Ofsted and is now open five days a week, from 9am to 3.30pm.