Children in Whitehaven dress as their favourite characters for WBD

Leo as the BFG and Florrie as the Hungry Caterpillar (Image: Supplied)

The day is a charity event that aims to encourage children and young people to start reading books more often.

Joey as Spaceboy (Image: Supplied)

To make the day a little bit more exciting, children are asked to come to school dressed as their favourite fictional character. 

Maisie as Snow White (Image: Supplied)

In West Cumbria, children came dressed as all kinds of fun and exciting characters including The Hungry Caterpillar and Cinderella. 

Olivia (Asha from Wish) (Image: Supplied)

The event is acknowledged in around 100 countries across the world. Here in the UK, the day is celebrated in March. 

Vienna and Lily Morgan as Dorothy and Cinderella (Image: Supplied)

In schools across the country, children are given a voucher which allows them to get a free book of their choice. 

Penny as Matilda and Blossom as Miss Trunchbull (Image: Supplied)

Here at the Whitehaven News, we asked our readers to send photos of their children on World Book Day. 

Sienna as Mildred Hubble (Image: Supplied)

We were thrilled to see so many young people in our area having fun whilst also learning the value of reading books.