Schools across Southampton have been forced to move World Book Day due to teachers' strikes.

Many schools have had to postpone a staple of the school calendar as many are set to suffer from staff shortages due to teachers walking out on Thursday..

Some schools are celebrating World Book Day on Friday instead. Others are moving it to next week.

Weston Shore Infant School and Mansel Park Primary School are among the schools forced to switch days.

READ MORE: Paddington Bear, Harry Potter and the Lorax: How Hampshire's kids celebrated World Book Day

In a letter to parents, Rachel Morse from Weston Shore Infant School said: “This year, Weston Schools Federation will be celebrating World Book Day slightly later than the official date, on Friday 10th March.

“As part of our celebrations, we would like to invite the children to come to school dressed as their favourite book character.

“There will be opportunities during the day for them to talk to their class about their character and the book they are in.”

In a statement on its website, a spokesperson for Mansel Park Primary School announced: “Don't forget, World Book Day is now being held on Friday 3rd March at all schools.”

Last year, various dazzling costumes from Willy Wonka to Paddington the bear were featured on the Echo.