The annual celebration, which encourages children to discover the power of books and reading, will once again see pupils heading to school dressed as their favourite literary characters — from Harry Potter and Matilda to the Gruffalo and the BFG.

World Book Day has become a much-loved fixture in the calendar for families and teachers alike since its inception in 1998, aiming to inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Many schools will also be handing out £1 book tokens, giving youngsters the chance to choose from a special range of titles or put the voucher towards any book of their choice.

Across County Durham, Darlington, Teesside and North Yorkshire, local libraries are also holding themed storytimes, book swaps and creative writing workshops to mark the occasion.

And here at The Northern Echo, we’d love to share your stories too. Whether your little one is dressing up for the first time, you’re a teacher planning a school event, or you have fond memories of past World Book Days, we want to hear from you.

Send us your photos, memories and favourite fancy-dress moments from celebrations past and present and we’ll feature a selection.

Photos can be emailed to newsdesk@nne.co.uk.