There were wall to wall Wallys as Cliftonville primary school celebrated National Storytelling Week.

Pupils and staff dressed in the distinctive red and white hooped hat and top and donned the oversized specs of the popular Where’s Wally book character for a special themed day centred on a Where’s Wally writing competition.

Assistant head teacher Louise Wilson said: “At Cliftonville School we believe that children have an innate love of stories. Stories create magic and a sense of wonder at the world. Stories teach us about life, about ourselves and about others.

"Stories create magic and a sense of wonder at the world." - Louise Wilson

“We had such fun using our imagination and creativity to tell stories, to write our own stories and share our favourite stories with others.”

Parents, residents of Northumberland Avenue, local businesses and members of the Mothers’ Union came into school to listen to the children reading and telling stories as well as sharing their own.

Ms Wilson said: “Listening to stories encourages children to use their imagination and immerse themselves completely in another world, whether it’s funny, exciting, or a little bit scary.”

The school council organised and ran the most popular termly book swap to date, while Year 5 and 6 children have been writing stories ready to enter the BBC Radio 2 500-word short story competition.

Ms Wilson said: “This week has been so successful!

“The children have loved every minute of being so creative and have felt very special with the support we have received from our local community.”