HUNDREDS of children and book lovers across Hampshire paid homage to their favourite authors on World Book Day 2017

The event, now in its 20th year, was set up as a celebration of all things literary – and to encourage children the world over to develop a passion for reading.

With youngsters across the city dressing up as their favourite characters the event’s popularity has gone from strength to strength and most schools in the city organised at least a mass fancy dress with Hermiones, Harrys, Desperate Dans and BFGs popular choices, and Meg and Mog, Superman and many Mad Hatters adding to the fun.

And some others went that little bit further. Head cook at St Mark’s in Freemantle Laura Suanez-Aisa even conjured up her very own Hogwarts-themed lunchtime menu.

But as previously reported by the Daily Echo thirteen libraries across the city were shut on the day itself due to council cuts. Southampton’s Burgess Road, Cobbett Road, Woolston, Portswood and Thornhill libraries were closed, and in Hampshire, libraries in Bishop’s Waltham, Netley and Lyndhurst were among those remaining shut.