Every picture, they say, tells a story - and here is the proof.

Youngsters around Dumbarton and the Vale had a flight of fancy on Thursday - World Book Day - by dressing up as their favourite fictional characters.

The kids let their imaginations run riot, and a magical array of storybook heroes was the result.

As part of World Book Day, which is an international charity, millions of £1 book tokens were distributed to children across the country.

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Youngsters could exchange them at shops for one of 12 special £1 books.

As can be seen from our pictures, a diverse range of characters took the spotlight, including Horrid Henry, Snow White, the Mad Hatter, Dennis the Menace, BFG and the Wonky Donkey.

Thanks to everyone who sent in pictures.