Dorothy, The Gruffalo and Where’s Wally rub shoulders as new library opens at Norfolk school

A children's author whose books are among the best read at a Cromer school officially opened its new library.

As part of a £3m school upgrade, the new library at Suffield Park Infant and Nursery School in Mill Road is up and running.

Julia Jarman, famous for Class Two at the Zoo, among other books, cut the ribbon to open the library today.

She said: 'Ever since I was a little girl libraries have been the most exciting places in the world for me. When we open a book we go to all sorts of amazing places. You are never bored when you have access to a library and books. I hope it becomes the most used library in the world.'

Youngsters dressed up as book characters and headteacher Nichola Stewart said: 'This is our school book day as well, as world book day was snowed off. 'It's part of a £3m new build we've had. It has included six new classrooms, an extension to the hall, new group rooms, a fantastic new play area and reception.

'We have 243 children in the school and nursery and they have all dressed up as book characters. They have also been doing a sponsored fun-run to pay for library books.

'Lots of them dressed up as superheroes. We've had Where's Wally's and princesses have been plentiful. As part of assembly, the Year 2 staff team re-enacted 'A squash and a squeeze', a book by Julia Donaldson.'

The children were champing at the bit to use the library. Abigail Hannah, seven, said: 'It's really a good place - you should be there every day.'

Her favourite books are The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, and she was dressed as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.

Harry Skillen, six, said: 'It's a really good place to relax.'

And Bethan Ashwell, also six, who was dressed as Roald Dahl's Matilda, added: 'It's really warm and I like reading.'

Chairman of the governors Viv Lennox, who was dressed as Paddington Bear, said: 'It's absolutely fantastic to have a proper library at the centre of the school.'