HEREFORDSHIRE will be marking World Book Day with a variety of celebrations next week.

The annual event takes place on Thursday March 6 and is aimed at helping children to explore the pleasure of books and reading.

All school children are entitled to a £1 World Book Day token to spend on the special World Book Day £1 books.

The tokens can also be spent on other books of their own choice at participating bookshops and Herefordshire libraries will also be giving out book tokens.

A celebration of books and stories will be taking place at Hereford library on Saturday March 8, with Bookstart Bear to make a guest appearance at 11am and at 2pm.

Stories will be read throughout the day by library staff.

Julie Goodwin, early years officer for Herefordshire libraries, said: “We can’t wait to get budding readers buzzing about World Book Day. Children who use libraries are twice as likely to be above average readers.

"Our event is a fun way to get local children’s imaginations fired up and encourage them to become avid readers.”

For the latest news and for ideas of how to dress up for World Book Day, visit worldbookday.com