VISITORS to a book store in Altrincham may be shocked to be greeted by the likes of Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice and Little Red Riding Hood on Thursday, March 7.

Staff from Waterstones on George Street at the Stamford Quarter in Altrincham, are bringing to life some of their favourite characters from books to celebrate World Book Day.

This year marks the 16th World Book Day, which is a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and reading. Designed by UNESCO, it is a worldwide celebration and takes place in over 100 countries all over the world on March 7.

To celebrate the day, children’s author Adam Perrot, will also be reading to 45 children from Altrincham Church of England Primary School, who will be dressing up as their favourite characters.

Adam, who writes comedy for children, won an award for First Time Author at The Peoples’ Book Prize for his novel “Eerie Deirdre Darkly” and has released other books including The Odds and The Odds Strike Back.

Staff from Waterstones will also be visiting Well Green Primary and Stamford Park Primary School in Hale to read to pupils.

Maggie Dooley, manager of Waterstones at the Stamford Quarter, said “We are really looking forward to celebrating World Book Day and love working with local schools.

“The staff have all been putting a lot of efforts into their costumes. I’ll be dressing up as Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice and we also have characters such as Little Red Riding Hood and Arthur Dent from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

“World Book Day is all about getting children closer to the books and authors they already love and letting them discover more books and authors that they’ll love every bit as much in the future."