Towns in Surrey and South West London are getting into the spirit to mark today's World Book Day 2019 (March 7) with a range of events.

Schoolchildren across the region got involved by taking part in the annual traditional fancy dress for favourite characters from literature.

Waterstones in Epsom are hosting a range of free-to-attend activities in store to mark the day.

Epsom Waterstones said: "We will have activities for book lovers both younger and older: create your own book marks, create your own book character profile, a big bonanza quiz with prizes, a terrific treasure hunt."

Kingston Libraries meanwhile pointed residents in the borough towards its digital resources on Twitter, highlighting a plethora of free downloads from E-books to audiobooks.

Kingston Libraries said: "Get into the #WorldBookDay spirit and download some brilliant new #Audiobooks and #eBooks on the #RBdigital app! FREE through our library. http://llc.oneclickdigital.eu/ "

Kingston Grammar School (KGS) got involved by hosting Author Alex Wheatle MBE, AKA the Brixton Bard, who KGS said spoke to students about his work and the power of good storytelling.

World Book Day is a registered charity supported by UNESCO "on a mission to give every child and young person a book of their own."

In the UK, all schoolchildren are given a £1 voucher on the day each year, which they can use to buy one of several books made available at schools on the day for £1.

To find out more about events taking place near you today, head to: www.worldbookday.com