GANGSTER Grannies, Mr Stinks, Matilda’s and Harry Potters were just some of the fabulous costumes seen parading the playground at Woodheys Primary School, Sale, in celebration of World Book Day.

And there was even more excitement when CBBC’s Newsround made an appearance.

Presenter Ricky Boleto spoke to some of the children about their favourite books and their amazing outfits, which went out live on the show’s morning bulletin and was shown again during the afternoon programme.

The children, who not only enjoyed a day of dressing up as their favourite character, took part in a whole week of celebrating books and reading.

A week long book fair, book swaps, quizzes, after school story time sessions and a visit from children’s author David Webb (Grandma’s Teeth, Eye of the Storm, Double Trouble) were just some of the activities the children enjoyed throughout the week.

“We’ve had a fantastic week here at Woodheys Primary School”, said headteacher Laura Daniels.

“The children have really entered the spirit of World Book Day and have thoroughly enjoyed bringing so many fabulous books to life. And of course, to feature on Newsround was very exciting for us all.

"The children also took part in peer reading, from Year 6 all the way to the nursery children. It was magical to see older children reading and enjoying books with the younger ones."

The school, on Meadway, also conducted a survey to find out which books were most popular amongst the 3 - 11 year old children.

Favourite author was David Walliams with his latest novel, Grandpa’s Great Escape, being crowned the number one book. Julia Donaldson and Roald Dahl were also highly rated by the children - Donaldson was the undisputed queen of the 3 - 6 year olds whereas Dahl, like Walliams, appealed to children across all age groups.

Unsurprisingly, J K Rowling’s Harry Potter emerged as the second favourite book followed by Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Horrid Henry and Mr Stink.