A school's decision to ditch costumes on World Book Day has divided opinion and sparked a debate about how the event should be celebrated in the cost-of-living crisis.

The annual event encourages children to discover the pleasure of reading and usually involves pupils going to school dressed at their favourite book characters.

But as families across the county battle against rising bills, some schools have decided to ditch the dressing up and offer alternative ways to mark the day tomorrow (Thursday).

Among them is Cliftonville Primary School in Margate, which is inviting children to bring in props or objects from books instead.

But the decision sparked a mixed response from parents, with one mum venting her disapproval.

"I’m sorry but where has all the fun gone from World Book Day?" she said.

"I think it’s ridiculous she can’t dress up. Now I’m debating to even do it because what is the point?"

Referring to the seemingly-endless costume requirements from schools, another mum said: "I hate all the flippin' dressing up. Today it's pyjamas, now it's Romans, Victorian orphans on Thursday, Friday off to World War Two."

But while some shared their frustration, others praised the school for its stance.

Another mum replied: "One backed the original poster, commenting that she was "also massively angry about this".

"Our school doesn’t like our kids to have any fun, it seems" she added.

Among them is mum-of-two Kelly Dobson, who has a son at Northdown Primary School in Margate.

She told KentOnline she feels guilt over her inability to pay for pricey costumes.

"They go in all dressed up and I can't afford it," she said.

"I'm a single mum of two boys, I'm just about keeping a roof over our heads.

"I feel so bad because I can't afford it, and then having the guilt on yourself because your child has to miss out.

"My son loves dressing up and all sorts but all this dressing up stuff is not cheap.

"I do wish it was a case of going into school with pyjamas and a reading book like other schools, because I do think it's unfair for parents like me who can't afford it."

Assistant head teacher of Northdown Primary School, Cara Adelsberg, says the school is inviting pupils to "attend school in a way which expresses themselves as a reader".

She added parents and children are encouraged to think outside the box so as to "not necessarily spend money on costumes".

Cerrie Bennett, who is mum to a child at Newington Community Primary, Ramsgate, says she empathises with parents under financial pressure and believes making your own costume can be fun.

She and her three-year-old daughter Ivie-Willow spent two and a half hours hand-making a 'Supertato' costume, based on the book written by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet.

"I love the costumes, it helps get the children interested in books and makes them feel part of the book," said Cerrie.

"It's so easy to just buy a costume these days but I love the idea of making the costumes.

"I wouldn't want to make people make costumes and I know some parents don't have time or may not have the skills but if you can then maybe give it a try.

"Making it yourself can be more stressful but it's cheaper, fun and the kids can get involved."

Another school to shun costumes is St Alphege Infant School in Whitstable, which has adopted a bedtime story theme as the "perfect way to reduce the additional costs".

Head teacher Jacqui Spinks said: "We have chosen to celebrate World Book Day with a "Bedtime Story" theme, and children (and staff) are invited to come to school dressed in their pyjamas, bringing their favourite book to share.

"Bedtime stories are such an important part of childhood and fostering a love of reading in our young children and our children have told us that it is often one of their favourite times of the day.

"We are a very community-focussed school and are aware of the pressures on all families at the moment as the cost-of-living continues to rise.

"We felt this was the perfect way to reduce the additional costs on families to source costumes, but also enabling us all to celebrate a love of literature and continue to mark these events as a school."

Organisers of World Book Day say it can be celebrated in or out of costume but that "the important thing is that the day is fun".

The charity behind the event says: "Teachers tell us that dressing up is a good way for reluctant readers to engage with the day, and children say they love having their home reading celebrated at school.

"Children also say that others’ costumes are a good way to pick up reading recommendations, and that dressing up makes the day feel really special.

"But, the important thing is that the day is fun and that children have the chance to talk about what they’re reading."

World Book Day was first celebrated in the UK and Ireland in 1997, and is held on the first Thursday of March.

On the day, each child is given a free book token which can be used to redeem a £1 book from a selection of 12, the cost of which is covered by the bookshop and publishers.