A headteacher has hailed the influence of World Book Day on the development of children, as her school celebrates reading with a day full of events.

Children are taking part in a series of book-themed activities today (March 3) at Snaresbrook Primary School, in Meadow Walk, South Woodford.

A parade, with all pupils and staff dressed as their favourite book character, took place this morning.

Each child and member of staff has brought in a book of their choosing and at any time during the day a bell will be rung and reading time will commence.

There will be quizzes and craft activities including designing and making top trump cards and books.

A parents reading time is due to take place this evening, with mums and dads all invited to read to their children at the school.

There is also an “extreme reading” competition, with children invited to send in pictures of them reading in unusual places such as up a tree or standing on their head.

The school is hoping to raise around £400 for Book Aid, a charity which sends books to children in Africa.

Headteacher Linda Horgan, speaking to the Guardian dressed as the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, explained why the annual day dedicated to books and reading was so important.

She said: “We want to get children passionate about reading a wide range of books and that is what this day is all about.

“Reading is so important to the development of children in their learning, it gets them to think creatively and come up with ideas.

"We need the help of parents, we want to encourage them to read to their children at home too, you can see the benefits in their reading and writing at school.

“The parade this morning is for the children to show off their costumes, I know they and their parents put a huge amount of effort into making them."