THERE wasn't a book left on the shelves in Bolton's libraries last week as pupils celebrated World Book Day.

Pupils and staff went to school dressed as their favourite book characters for a day dedicated to reading.

Youngsters transformed themselves in to a whole array of their favourite characters from superheroes, to princesses, to Dangerous Dentists and Gangster Grannies.

Poet Rappaman, real name Donavan Christopher, entertained children and adults at Westhoughton Library and Bolton Central Library.

As well as reading out aloud his own poetry, he encouraged the audience to join in with actions.

He said: "The message I want the audience to leave with is that reading is so important and it is very important to respect all people.

"I never grew up wanting to be a poet, I wanted to play for Manchester United, but I did grow up listening to nursery rhymes, stories and when I was old I listened to reggae music and RAP is Rhythmic African Poetry and poetry found me, and became me."

He added: "On World Book Day I feel I need to dissect myself into four piece to go everywhere. The day is more than needed because of the importance of reading and it is a day for authors and poets."

The poet stayed around to lead workshops with secondary school children while youngsters went away inspired.

Verity Lashimba, aged seven, said: "It was really good, I liked the poem about the sweets, I really enjoyed it and might try writing a poem."

At Eatock Primary School in Westhoughton children showed just how much reading meant to them by raising money for their library with a copper coin trail around the school.

Deputy headteacher Victoria Hickman said: "It was a hugely successful day and really good fun.

"We had a representative from Asda in Horwich come in and give us a cheque for £50 as part of their Green Coin Scheme which we are going to use in our Books For School library fund.

"Reading is really important and it’s the heart of the school. We feel very strongly about it and have a real passion and love for it. It puts children in good stead for the future."

Meanwhile at Harper Green School in Farnworth, children found their teachers replaced with real life book characters and enjoyed a book-themed lunch menu including Matilda's very own Mrs Trunchbull's chocolate cake and George's Marvellous Medicinal leek and potato soup.

At Valley Community School, pupils were visited by author and performance poet David Harmer after winning a competition through Bolton Libraries.

Children from Key Stage One saw poetry brought to life by the animated poet and recited poems about aliens, pirates and creepy crawlies.

Headteacher Kevan Naughton said: "The afternoon was a huge success. Pupils threw themselves into an hour of animated poetry. It was an honour that our school was selected to host the published poet and it was a fitting event on World Book Day - which is designed to celebrate the magic of books, authors and the fun of language."

And it wasn't just Primary Schools that enjoyed the day. At Blackrod High School students were happy to swap their uniforms for something a little more colourful for the day and raise funds for their library through a cake sale.

Year Eight pupil Charlotte Sollinger said: “I have really enjoyed seeing so many of my friends get involved in World Book Day. It has been a great day.”

Meanwhile

Dr Livi Michael of Manchester Metropolitan University visited Bolton School accompanied by Iris Feindt, the school’s writer in residence, who brought with her fellow authors from the Manchester Writing School.

Naomi Lord, who helped organised the event, said: “This has been a highly enjoyable day and our pupils have benefited enormously from having direct access to experienced authors."