At Brighouse High School, award-winning author Sally Nicholls, author of Ways to Live Forever and Season of Secrets, led a writing workshop with Year 7 and Year 8 pupils.

She said: "It has been really good. We have had a talk and a question and answer session before getting down to writing."

Children and staff at Totspot Day Nursery, Dean Clough, Halifax, dressed as characters including Mister Men, Hungry Caterpillars, Snow White and Disney princesses.

There was also the chance to eat Goldilocks's porridge for breakfast and bake gingerbread men.

Parents and children shared reading at Withinfields Primary School, Southow-ram, before a visit from poet Gez Walsh.

Teacher Najma Ismail said: "We started the day with the parents and their kids sharing breakfast and then having a joint reading session."

Castlefield Infant School, Rastrick, was full of colourful characters including the Lonely Puppy and Sponge Bob Square Pants as parents and staff actively supported the day.

Norland Junior and Infant School organised competitions and children paid to dress as characters. Nearly £60 was raised for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Head teacher Samantha Dawson said children had enjoyed a "brilliant day".

Children at Siddal Primary School, Halifax, also dressed up and received book tokens.