THERE was no standing on the sidelines for headteacher Peter Hoyland when pupils at Dunster First School celebrated Book and Story Week.

Mr Hoyland made sure he became a larger than life literary star for the finale of the event - a grand parade of favourite book characters.

Clifford the Big Red Dog was created by American author Norman Bridwell in the 1960s and Mr Hoyland fitted the costume perfectly.

He was joined by characters from the world of books that included The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Pippy Longstocking.

Peppa Pig, Pingu, Oliver Twist and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz also put in an appearance, along with numerous princesses.

The special week gave members of the local community the chance to pop into the school to share their favourite stories with the youngsters.

Visitors included Lyn Phillips from Dunster Pre-School, Liz Summers from Dunster Castle and the Rev Lee Brant from the village's St George's Church.

Tennis coach Richard Drewer, Minehead Middle School headteacher Paul Rushforth, police community support officer Sue Hurley, music teacher Sue Fletcher, Exmoor National Park ranger Patrick Watts Mabbott and Phil Martin from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service also called by.

This year's celebration took on the theme of Enchanted Worlds and storytellers Steve Manning, Anne Harvey and Annie Fisher came to the school to share tales on the chosen subject.

The Parent Teacher Association also played its part by staging a book fair.

More than £800 of books were sold, netting £450 of new books for the school.

Throughout the week a range of competitions were run, with year one youngster Alice Richards and her family winning the Family Book Quiz contest and prizes for drawing an enchanted creature awarded to Caitlin Farrell, Neeve Donachie, Harrison Willis, Ellie Matravers and Martin Payn.

Mr Hoyland said he wanted to thank everyone who had contributed to the week's events, including those who had helped and supported the book fair.

"The money raised in commission from the fair meant that we were able to buy just under £100 worth of books for each class," he said.

"The final day's book character parade was as colourful as ever with all those taking part enjoying spending the day dressed as book and story characters."

Photo: Steve Guscott