A colourful collection of characters in costumes helped mark World Book Day in two Egremont schools.

Pupils from St Bridget's School and Bookwell School did not let the snow deter them from celebrating the annual literary event.

At Bookwell, children and staff organised a Harry Potter Day after it was agreed by the school council.

Pupils, from reception through to Year 6, formed a number of groups to take part in seven Harry Potter-themed activities which included potion making, spell casting, wand making, dragons eggs and secret letters.

Headteacher Russell Hardy said: "Everyone really enjoyed themselves. It was a lovely day to stay open through the snowy weather."

At St Bridget's School, pupils arrived in an array of costumes to take part in drama workshops, a book fair and a wide variety of book-related activities.

World Book Day, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, is marked in over 100 countries and is in its 21st year.

Children are each handed a £1 voucher to buy a specially-commissioned book of their choice.

These included favourites such as Mr Men, Paddington and Marvel's Avengers as well as books by tv presenter Clare Balding and Great British Bake-Off winner, Nadiya Hussain.

* FOUR-year-old Jacob Finlay, of Cleator Moor, celebrated World Book Day at home after his school, Montreal School, was closed due to the bad weather.