HUNDREDS of literary lovers in Gloucestershire are taking part in this year's World Book Night when 2,500 free books will be given out.

World Book Night is an annual celebration of reading and books which takes place on April 23, today.

Volunteers give hundreds of thousands of books away in their communities in order to share their love of reading with people who don't read for pleasure or own books.

For the first time The Reading Agency, which organise the event, is inviting members of the community to donate their own books – old or new - to a place or person of their choice.

Twenty-six libraries in Gloucestershire are taking part.

Cllr Dorcas Binns, cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “If you haven’t picked up a book for a while World Book Night is the perfect occasion to do just that.

"We are also encouraging everyone to use this opportunity to visit their local library and urge friends and family to come along too.”

Since it began in 2011 World Book Night has created a group of 46,000 volunteers giving books away to over 2 million people.

For information about your local library go to @gloslibs or visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries.