Children have ditched their school uniforms in favour of their favourite characters to celebrate World Book Day. The international event, now in its 28th year, celebrates reading and books. From Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr Fox to Nick Butterworth's Percy the Park Keeper, here are some of your great costumes from across the south of England.

With fewer kids reading daily, World Book Day is an important day to impart the benefits of reading, and there are even positive health benefits this hobby can bring

World Book Day is being celebrated across Leicestershire today as thousands of children don costumes of their favourite literary characters. Schools, libraries and nurseries throughout the county are taking part in the international event which highlights the importance of reading.