Children, adults and authors across Basingstoke celebrated a World Book Day “more important than ever” amid coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

School pupils, parents and teachers dressed up as their favourite literary characters on Thursday, March 4 including Tiny Steps Preschool in Popley.

Helen Heath, who owns and manages the nursery in Bermuda Close, said it was a much-needed day of enjoyment for the little ones.

She said: "I think for children to have a day where it is just about fun is so important for them right now, I am sure they pick up on all of our anxieties and worries about whether they are missing out [due to coronavirus restrictions]."

Helen added: "For them to have a day where it is pure fun and carefree was wonderful. The parents were really excited and the atmosphere was fun, the children were hyped up."

The preschool had a raft of activities, according to Helen, including an outdoor bear hunt involving chocolate and custard, visiting baby owls, and having tea with the tiger.

"They loved it which was great," she said.

In terms of outfits, Helen said the pupils got stuck in with their ideas: "They were all so adorable. We had two Gruffalos, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell as well as piglet, pirates and a princess."

Reflecting on the past year, Helen said: "We've actually only been open a year, just before Covid. We have stayed open the whole time. With schools going back next week and the weather, we're feeling optimistic and it is nice to feel there is some light at the end of the tunnel from all of this."

  • The Gazette will be publishing a selection of World Book Day pictures in next week's paper, out on March 11. Make sure you pick up a copy!