RESIDENTS in Stockton are being invited to take part in the first ever World Book Night.

Norton Library, in High Street, Norton, near Stockton, is holding a World Book Night party on Saturday, March 5, from 7pm until midnight.

Organisers have joined forces with the BBC to give away one million books across the country, which will be distributed by an army of passionate readers who applied to be book donors.

Twenty five titles, including Toast by Nigel Slater; One Day by David Nicholls; The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John Le Carre and A Life Like Other People's by Alan Bennett, will be handed out to members of the public who take part in the event.

Norton Library will hold a book quiz and Salsa dancing throughout the evening.

Library staff will be heading out across the borough to restaurants, shops, takeaways and factories to give out books from the selected titles.

Councillor Mary Womphrey, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: "The first ever World Book Night will create a real buzz and it will be a great way to celebrate the wonders of reading a great novel or biography."

Tickets cost 2, including refreshments, and are available on 01642-528019 or from any borough library. Booking is essential.