A HALESOWEN school has been chosen to take part in next year's The World's Biggest Book Show on Earth celebrations.

Earls High School is only school in the West Midlands to be involved in the worldwide event next February.

Authors Steven Butler, Simon Bartram and Guy Parker-Rees will be at the school discussing books and holding fun performances.

Ros Bartlett, assistant head teacher at Earls High School and chairman of the Dudley Children’s Book Group, has helped organised the event.

She said: “Being involved in such a wonderful celebration of children's literature gives young people across the West Midlands an opportunity to meet some of the most prestigious authors and illustrators working today.

"Young people from a large number of schools will have the opportunity to be entertained and engaged in what promises to be a 'once in a lifetime' event."

Steven Butler, author of The Diary of Dennis the Menace: World Book Menace Day, is compering the tour.

He said: “I can't wait to come to Halesowen for The Biggest Book Show on Earth.

"What's not to be excited about? It's big, it's fun and it’s all about books."

He added: "I am lucky enough to be the compère this year and I hope to see thousands upon thousands of kids around the country, enjoying all those brilliant authors, marvellous stories and bungling-great-belly-laughs just as much as I do.”

Kirsten Grant, director of World Book Day, added: “World Book Day’s ultimate mission is to encourage a love of reading in all children, and by doubling our tour stops we’ve made a major step towards achieving this ambition with The Biggest Book Show on Earth.

"We’re bringing an amazing selection of children’s author and illustrator talent to over 14,000 children all over the country."

She added: "It’s also wonderful to work with local organisers who are vital in bringing books to their communities, during World Book Day and all year round.”

The event is being held on Friday, February 27, at Earls High School and The Federation of Children’s Book Groups is the school's partner.

More details about World Book Day and The Biggest Book Show on Earth can be found at www.worldbookday.com.