YOUNGSTERS stepped through a magic looking glass to a Mad Hatter’s tea party to mark World Book Day and one of their former teachers who is now a TV star.

Pupils at Cundall Manor School, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, chose Alice in Wonderland as their theme for the day on Thursday, March 4.

The novel has several local links as Stephen Fry, star of Tim Burton’s new movie version, is an old teacher at the school.

While Lewis Carroll’s father was a Canon at Ripon Cathedral and is felt to have gained inspiration for his tale there.

The current pupils aged two to seven-years dressed as characters from the book and walked into the classroom through a frame depicting the novel’s looking glass.

Then in the afternoon the group took part in a Mad Hatter’s tea party.

Amanda Kirby, head of pre-prep, said: "World Book Day is a great opportunity to celebrate some of the most wonderful books, particularly those which have stood the test of time.

"The local links around Alice make the story important to us and naturally the children are all very excited about the release of the new film.

"The children really enjoy dressing up so I’m sure there will some absolutely super costumes.

"They will be working hard to produce a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party using their skills in maths, English, science and technology."