A PRIMARY school was magically transformed into Hogwarts for the day as youngsters dressed up to mark the opening of their new library.

Pupils at Lainesmead Primary School, in Old Walcot, celebrated the completion of the £30,000 facility by dressing up as the characters from their favourite books.

Harry Potter, the Mad Hatter and even Mr Spock were on hand to watch headteacher Jeanette Turner cut the ribbon and unveil the bright purple paintwork and 15 new computers inside a former classroom.

The transformation started in July and the funky furniture and lively decor was all chosen by pupils on the student council.

Mrs Turner said: “It’s just stunning. Now they have a place to come in and read. The children were involved in choosing the colours. Originally the school council said they wanted it to be bright and so they worked with our artist in residence to create four mood boards.

“They then chose their favourite one and also the furniture to go with it. We had to wait a little while for it to be delivered but it is fantastic now it’s done. Books make you brainy and this is right at the heart of the school – it’s easily accessible to Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. I think reading is at the heart of learning and to do well in reading will really help them when they get older.

“Previously the school just had a converted section of the cloak-room – just books on shelves rather than a facility like this. We want to encourage them to just come in and read and also loan books and take them home.”

Parents were invited to a tour of the new library and a special lunch at the newly refurbished school kitchen.

Joanna Miller, nine, who was dressed as Snow White, said: “I love it – I think it’s nice and colourful. I like reading and there are loads of books.”

Nuala Gallagher, 10, appearing as Wilba the cat, of the Winnie the Witch series, said: “It’s really, really, really good. I think it’s better that we have all the books in one room.”

Jordan Ellis, 10, playing Harry Potter, said: “I think it’s wicked and I will spend quite a lot of time in here.”