Doncaster boy, aged five, melts teachers' hearts by dressing up as Capt Sir Tom Moore for World Book Day event

The five year old charmed teachers and amazed friends at Bessacarr Primary School, in Doncaster, when he arrived for what is traditionally a schools’ fancy dress day as lockdown hero Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Freddie, a year one pupil, was one of scores of youngsters who made a big effort after the school had postponed book day from Thursday March 4, so that more pupils could take part.

Proud mum Emma said: “It’s been such a tough year and Sir Tom was an inspiration to everyone, young and old. Freddie was so excited to dress up as this hero this morning.”

She said they had decided between them he should dress up as Sir Tom after he had read his book, 100 Steps, which his teacher read out in class.

The teachers who were at the gate applauded him into school when they realised who he had come as, after he had kept it secret all week.

Freddie is also planning on donating some of his own money to the NHS as well.

Freddie said: “Sir Tom was such a hero. He risked his life for us during the war and then raised lots of money for the NHS.”

School spokesman Daniel Smeaton said: “Freddie just melted everyone's hearts dressed as Captain Sir Tom. The headteacher thought he looked amazing.”

“We wanted to get it out there and make a big deal out of World Book Day, so we postponed it so that we could have the whole of the school involved, because the children love World Book Day, and they love getting to dress up.

"There were some really good costumes from both the children and the teachers.

"We saw a lot of Harry Potters today, and we saw a lot of cavemen, largely because that fits in with the books the year four children are reading for their current topic.

"We’re really happy to have everyone back at school – we’ve really missed all the children and it was great to see everyone’s faces again in Monday.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.