Residents at a Dorset care home was joined with local schoolchildren to celebrate their shared love of stories during World Book Day.

Colten Care’s Newstone House, Dorset hosted pupils from William Barnes Primary School.

Characters included Roald Dahl’s Matilda, Shaun the Sheep, Billionaire Boy and multiple characters from the Harry Potter books, some with owls and wands.

Staff members also joined in the fun, with some dressing up as Red Riding Hood and Marry Poppins.

After telling their hosts all about their favourite books the children were treated to tea, squash and biscuits.

Elaine Lunn of Newstone House Companionship Team said: “It was wonderful for the residents to see the children in their special costumes and to hear about their favourite books.

“They were especially interested to hear about Harry Potter and all the magic he and his friends get up to.”

World Book Day is an annual UNESCO-recognised celebration of reading held in more than 100 countries.