IT was dress-down Thursday in York, with pupils across the city dressing up as their favourite literary heroes. And they weren’t alone.

Children across the globe took part in the 20th World Book Day which promotes the love of the written word.

We think it’s a great idea. Fun helps youngsters learn and anything that encourages them to read has to be applauded.

Talking of which, Andy Seed from Amotherby, who runs workshops that inspire children to read, has just won the Blue Peter facts book of the year award.

Another reason to suggest that reports of the book’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.