WORLD BOOK DAY: Pupils dress as favourite book characters including Mary Poppins, Matilda, Alice in Wonderland, the Cat in the Hat, and Elmer the Elephant

Boys in dresses, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Mary Poppins, and even the Guinness Book of Records were among the most beloved books by children on World Book Day.

Across the country, World Book Day is celebrated by children and adults alike to promote the importance of reading, and schools across the district were taking part in plenty of exciting activities and dressing up.

Here in the Newark area, many of our schools were encouraging their pupils to dress up as their favourite characters from their favourite books, including Bishop Alexander and Mount CofE Primary Schools.

Over at the Sir Donald Bailey Academy, pupils were dressed up with Heroes and Villains theme, and at Claypole Primary School, pupils designed their own t-shirts as an alternative to dressing up.

At Long Bennington Cof E Academy, the children brought their favourite books in to share and took part in fund activities at school, and Caythorpe Primary School pupils took part in book-themed activities organised by their Reading Ambassadors.

Elsewhere, district councillor Emma Oldham launched a community-led reading and writing initiative to help children to access the books and writing materials.

The latest National Literacy Trust report reveals that two in three children and young people do not enjoy reading in their free time and that one in eight children in high-poverty areas don’t own any books.

Determined to change this, Ms Oldham partnered with Coddington Primary School, Balderton Parish Council, and local community groups to launch book and stationery donation points across the area where pre-loved and new books and magazines and writing materials can be donated.

Over the next month, donations will be collected before families in need can register via a simple online form to receive free literacy packs, which will then be distributed to those who need them most by staff at Coddington Primary School and Chuter Ede Balderton.

The initiative received its first wave of donations from the Coddington Rainbows, and Balderton Village Hall will be operating as a drop-off point from Monday to Friday, 10am to 12noon.

To contribute books or stationary, or get involved, please contact Emma Oldham at Emma.Oldham@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.

“This initiative is about more than just books – it’s about unlocking opportunities, sparking curiosity, and ensuring no child is left behind due to financial barriers,” says Emma Oldham. “All children deserve the chance to explore new worlds through reading and writing, and this scheme will provide essential support for families facing challenges.

"It has been truly heart-warming to receive support from parish councils, community groups, and schools, turning this into a collective community effort. Seeing everyone's generosity come together through the power of words is incredibly inspiring. I'm so thankful.”