SCHOOLS across Stourbridge will be holding special events to mark World Book Day tomorrow (Thursday, March 5).

Now in its 18th year, the day is the biggest worldwide celebration of authors, illustrators, books and reading, taking place in more than 100 countries across the globe.

Pupils at Crestwood School, in Kingswinford, are dressing up as their favourite book characters for the visit of author Natalie Yates.

Pedmore Technology College will kick off week long activities tomorrow, including the first day of its book fair, where more than 200 books, posters and stationary items are available for students to buy.

During the day, the school will also receive a visit from BAFTA and Emmy award-winning wildlife cameraman and author Doug Allan.

Doug is going to the school to discuss his career, including his work on BBC TV programmes such as Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet, photography and life experiences, as well as his new book Freeze Frame.

While a day of activities at Withymoor Primary School, in Brierley Hill, will see pupils attend school in their pyjamas, with the school hall decorated as a giant bedroom.

Rebecca Fellows, Withymoor’s English co-ordinator, said: “We take part in World Book Day to raise the profile of reading in our school.

“The activities we have planned will be ongoing throughout the whole day, involving all pupils from Reception to Year 6.

“It will be leave great memories for the children, something they will remember throughout their school lives.”