PUPILS at Banbury Academy celebrated a love of reading by holding a World Book Week at the school.

From February 29 until Friday the school held a series of story activities and writing workshops to inspire the next generation of authors.

The highlight of the week was a visit from author William Hussey, who taught pupils how to write their own stories.

Students in year seven and eight also found out what it is like to be an author, and strangely what it would have been like if you were tried as a witch.

After speaking to the pupils Mr Hussey ran workshops to help children create stories using the theme of What if?

The groups came out with imaginative stories including What if cheese took over the world? and What if puppies were evil?

Year seven pupil Oscar Beere said: "I really enjoyed the week.

"It was very interesting how you can create a story easily.

"The session was useful as I am starting to write the story which we began in the workshop."

Each department got involved in the week, with the maths staff creating their own murder mystery lessons inspired by Agatha Christie.

Staff and student librarians also raised more than £45 for Banbury-based music charity Let's Play by holding a bake sale and dressing up as their favourite book characters.

School spokesman John Moss said: "The aim of the week was to get students to see that reading and literature can be fun and exciting.

"By getting departments involved, which aren't normally associated with literacy, will help to grow the reading culture which the academy has developed.

"Having fun is a key ingredient because it encourages students to love reading."