FRANCHE Community Church will celebrate World Book Day by hosting a fun-packed event for toddlers.

The event will be held on Thursday, March 1, at 9.15am to 12am in the Kidderminster church, and will be open to children up to four years old and adults.

Children are invited to dress up as favourite book characters, where there will be a prize for best dressed.

A well-known book character will be making an appearance at the event, and there will be an opportunity to have photographs taken by a professional photographer.

Maria DiPaolo, an independent representative of Usborne Books who co-organised the event with Julie Duriez from Mainly Music, said: “As a mum of two children aged two and a half and six months it was clear that there was nothing for world book day for children who are aged zero to four years.

"I therefore wanted to organise something to do that these children in this age bracket don’t miss out and get to celebrate world book day.

“I also wanted to promote the importance of books and reading to children at a young age.

"With the popularity of the internet it is easy for children to go on the internet and play games, but I think they still need books.”

The event will also have toys for children, crafts and colouring activities, as well as a story time.

A raffle will take place with a box of chocolate and book up for grabs. The proceeds will go to Book Aid International.

Drinks and snacks will be provided for children, with hot drinks and homemade cakes for parents.

Prices are £4 for an adult and up to two children, and 50p for any adult or child following.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 07557 901681, or by contacting the Mainly Music Facebook page. There will be limited availability on the day.