Cycling superstar Sir Chris Hoy, author of the Flying Fergus series of books, launched the tour in the Royal Concert Hall today, ahead of a five city tour with more than 30 authors and illustrators.

He said: “I couldn’t be happier to be taking part in The Biggest Book Show on Earth. Having released my first children’s books last year, it’ll be great to put on a show for the kids in the audience.”

The events will run from until March 3, hitting regions across the country and reaching 6,000 children.

In each location, organisers are liaising with local schools to invite children to attend.

As well as the Olympic gold medalist, other participating authors include Cressida Cowell and Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Kirsten Grant, director of World Book Day, said: "World Book Day is all about spreading the joy of reading to every young person in the country.

"We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating our 20th anniversary, and what a fantastic time we’ve had! As ever, our aim is to deliver some of the very best authors and illustrators direct to thousands of children across the country.

“The Biggest Book Show on Earth is one of the jewels in World Book Day’s crown, and we couldn’t have asked for a better line-up to help us celebrate this amazing milestone.

"We can’t wait for young audiences to experience some of the most fun and unique author/illustrator events ever.”

Margaret Houston, of Glasgow Life, helped organise the event.

She added: “Once again thousands of school children will be in the lucky position to hear from some of their favourite authors.

"Events like this are so important because they create a real buzz around books and reading!”