Cumbernauld kids celebrate Roald Dahl’s books

Abronhill Primary held its own Road Dahl Day on the late writer’s birthday as a tribute.And as our photos show the day was every bit as fantastic as a certain Mr Fox in his natty duds!

The children let their imaginations run riot with a host of different activities that have proved to be the highlight of the school year so far - and were nearly as exciting as the time Willie Wonka threw his factory open to unforgettable characters like Augustus Gloop, Mike TV and of course Charlie.

Kids made their own fancy dress costumes for a parade that won’t be forgotten in a hurry as crocodiles, oompa loompahs, The Witches and The Twits brought a gloriously kooky touch to the school day.

There followed a giant fancy dress parade and a frenzied search for a Golden Ticket, after choco-treats were distributed. There was also a competition to design the perfect cover for favourites like James and the Giant Peach – which is celebrating its 50th birthday this year.

Pupils had been working up to the big day for some time through their schoolwork - although it didn’t feel like work for the bookworms who clearly consider Dahl to be the best thing this side of Harry Potter.Storytelling sessions on the big day added to the magic as pupils listened intently to the words that have compelled younger readers across the globe for generations - but it’s fair to say it was a noisier affair otherwise as the children enjoyed themselves to the max!.

Teacher Jane Stocks said: “The children loved it. They are fascinated not just by the books but that Roald Dahl had such an interesting life. They love that he was a fighter pilot, for example.

“Everyone paid to take part and we raised £138 for the Roald Dahl Foundation,’’ she added.

This was set up by his widow Felicity after his death in 1990 and has raised more than £6 million for children and young people with brain or blood related problems.