Ilminster local legend dresses up for World Book Day 2025

Mr Bob Bright. <i>(Image: Becky Hawkins.)</i>
Mr Bob Bright. (Image: Becky Hawkins.)
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TO celebrate World Book Day, a local legend in Ilminster has been spotted wearing a fitting costume to mark the occasion.

Mr Bob Bright, born from a series of acts of random kindness in the Ilminster community, has been dressed up as Wally from the book 'Where’s Wally?' to celebrate World Book Day 2025.

Following a Facebook post that “blew up” after a stranger left a wig on a high vis jacket that resident Becky Hawkins left on her gate, Mr. Bob Bright has become somewhat of a local celebrity.

READ MORE: 'Viral' Ilminster acts of kindness make resident smile

In an interview with the Chard and Ilminster News, Becky said it gave her a “much needed laugh.”

She said: “Apparently it resonated with a lot of local folks who added their own comments about how it had also made them smile.

“One young girl had her family saying ‘hello Mr. Bright’ whenever they drove by and other people were referencing Bob Marley in honour of his 80th birthday. So, the community collaboratively named him Mr. Bob Bright.”

Since then, he has been dressed up for all occasions, most recently for Valentine's Day, and has become a symbol of community kindness.

Now, for World Book Day, being from a book loving household, Bob is all ready for all the joys the day will bring.

Becky said to the News: “Bob is from a book-loving house, so it makes sense that he'd want to join in with World Book Day.

“He's not great at reading, but excellent at spotting people going by, so this seemed like the most appropriate outfit.”

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