Characters from a host of famous books came alive as schoolchildren across the county celebrated World Book Day.

More than 200 pupils at Wheatley Primary School dressed up as characters from Roald Dahl books - with some of the teachers taking part.

The school, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, has strong links with the famous children's author as he used to live in the village.

Mr Dahl - author of James and the Giant Peach, The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - officially opened the new school in 1984 when it moved from the church site.

Headteacher Joan Morters said: "Everybody loves Roald Dahl books - to me, he's the best children's author.

"It was great fun and at the end of the day the staff read different stories for the children.

"There was a good selection of characters, but Willy Wonka was probably the most popular.

"We had lots of BFGs as well, and lots of children with very large ears."

Meanwhile, pupils and staff at Marcham Primary School, near Abingdon, dressed up as their favourite book characters.

Princesses, pirates and the Mad Hatter from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland turned up at the school to celebrate the children's love of reading.

Headteacher Viv Hutchinson said the school enjoyed events all week.

She said: "The staff brought along some of their favourite books to share with the pupils during the afternoon.

"The day ended with a special parents' assembly to show which famous book characters had turned up to school.

"As well as joining many other schools in reading, other activities included a book fair and a sponsored read."

Pirates, knights in shining armour, princesses, fairies and Bob the Builder took over Grove Primary School as pupils, staff and parents dressed up as their favourite characters to promote reading.

Children at the school have recently been involved in a project on pirates, so many went as Jack Sparrow from the three Pirates of the Caribbean films.

Others favoured characters from the ever-popular Harry Potter novels by JK Rowling, while some of the girls pulled out all the stops by dressing elaborately as fairies and pretty princesses.

A spokesman at the school said: "It was a very colourful day.

"Parents and staff joined in the fun and it was all in a very good cause - getting the children to do more reading and to enjoy books."