WORLD Book Day was celebrated by youngsters across Tendring.

Last Thursday dozens of children dressed up as their favourite literary characters for the national event.

The event is also a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and - most importantly - it’s a celebration of reading.

As part of the celebrations, readers sent in their photographs to the Harwich and Manningtree Standard dressed up to go to school and nursery as a range of characters including Mr Bump, Matilda, Fantastic Mr Fox, The Wimpy Kid and The Hungry Caterpillar.

Ray Gallagher, Harwich and Dovercourt High School’s assistant head teacher said World Book Day was a success.

He said: “We are pushing and promoting reading at our school.

“We expect our students to read for 20 minutes out of school each day.

“Our other aim is to make sure every child owns a book and enjoys reading.”

The school’s tagline is working, reading and learning together.

“Reading is a big focus at our school and we are branded as a reading school.

“It’s about reading for purpose and reading for pleasure.”

This is the 22nd year there’s been a World Book Day.

For more information on the national event visit worldbookday.com.