The First Minister swapped politicians for famous literary characters as she launched a new reading challenge on World Book Day.

Pupils from Brunstane Primary School in Edinburgh dressed as characters including Dennis the Menace, Minnie Mouse, Gandalf and Deadpool as Nicola Sturgeon visited their reading group at the Scottish Storytelling Centre to talk about her own favourite children's book - Five On A Treasure Island by Enid Blyton.

The challenge is designed to encourage children to read as many books as possible each year from a selection chosen by a panel of academics, experts and teachers, with the First Minister's favourite book taking the first place on the list.

It will initially involve children in primaries four to seven, who will record their progress in a "reading passport" and be encouraged to write a short review of each book.

Prizes will be awarded to children and schools following a judging panel next year, chaired by the First Minister.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Some of my happiest childhood memories involve immersing myself in the adventures of the Famous Five, so I'm pleased to have the opportunity to encourage young people to also experience the joy of reading for pleasure.

"Research also shows that reading for pleasure is crucially important for children's development, and I hope this scheme goes a long way in encouraging Scotland's young people to see reading as an important leisure activity as much as a school one.

"I'm delighted to gift some copies of one of my own favourite books from childhood in the hope that children who choose to read it get as much from it as I did."

Scottish Book Trust chief executive Marc Lambert said: "It is a well-documented fact that a love of reading in the early years is hugely important in terms of a child's future prospects, so any initiative that encourages children to get excited about books and to be adventurous in their reading choices is to be welcomed."