AN assortment of literary characters made an appearance as children across the Maldon district celebrated World Book Day.

The annual charity event is held on the first Thursday of March each year, with celebrations to promote the importance of reading. 

It provides each child in full-time education across the UK with a voucher to spend on books.

The event is also a chance for children to dress up as their favourite book characters.

Six-year-old Lydia-Rose Josse took inspiration from the works of Lewis Carroll.

The Heybridge Primary School pupil dressed up as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland.

Naomi Tilley from Wentworth Primary School in Viking Road received special recognition from her efforts.

Having been set the task to dress up as a word, Naomi won a prize for her costume 'Doodle'.

Lawa Hendrie took a fantastic image of Ollie, four, a Feering Primary School pupil, who dressed as Peter Rabbit, a character made famous by author Beatrix Potter’s novels.

World Book Day was created by UNESCO in April 1995 to encourage youngsters to read for pleasure.