YOUNGSTERS will be in fine voice as they bring the classic children's story The Princess and the Pea to life through song to celebrate this year's World Book Day.

Children from across Bolton will be joining Ben Faulks, of Mr Bloom CBeebies fame, to stage the magical performance, which has been devised by acclaimed children's composer Sue Nicholls.

Reception and Year One pupils from St Catherine's CE Primary School in Horwich, Claypool Primary School, Horwich, Blackrod Church School will be among 1,000 children from across the North West who will retell the timeless story accompanied by live musicians and narrated by storyteller Ben.

The Hans Christian Anderson tale tells the story about a young woman whose royal identity is established by a test.

Children will dress as characters from the story as will the musicians, teachers and members of Bolton Music Service and the hub

The event has been organised by Bolton Music Service and its partners in the Greater Manchester Music Hub.

Sue has written a six-song musical project based on the traditional tale of The Princess and the Pea.

The songs have been taught in the schools over this term in preparation for the performance.

A spokesman said: "We are delighted by the huge response we have had and this is set to be an exciting event.

"The children have learned so much about music and related activities in the build up to the occasion. It has been an exhausting but worthwhile project for all concerned."

The performance is one of many activities taking place to mark World Book Day with children across Bolton dressing as their favourite storybook characters.

The performance takes place on Thursday at 10am and again at 1.30pm at The Lighthouse, 12 Centenary Park, Coronet Way, Eccles.

If your child is dressing up to celebrate World Book Day, send us a picture by email to webdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk, message us on Facebook at facebook.com/theboltonnews or tweet us on Twitter @TheBoltonNews and we will feature it online and the best ones will go in the paper.