Pictured is winsome witch Ruth Hatton (8) who thought a fancy dress poetry recital at Ramsbottom Library was just magical.

LIBRARY staff cast a spell on local children as part of the celebrations for National Poetry Day.

Also at the library, seven members of the Irwell Writers performed recitals to a small group of people who had made requests for traditional poems to be read.

Musical sisters Julie and Janine Hope played the cello and flute respectively during the interval.

Elsewhere in the borough, there were other events to mark the day.

Members of the Irwell Writers performed readings, this time at Waterstone's in Bury.

By far the biggest event was held at The Met in the town. Around 25 girls from Bury Grammar School, accompanied by two staff, recited Alfred Noyes' "The Highwaymen".

And later, 15 youngsters from Bury C of E High School performed a rendition of "Noah's Flood," along with head of department Mr Nick Mallion.

The Hope sisters also performed various musical pieces and poets from the Irwell Writers read their own works to an audience of 100.