PICTURES: Gruffalo makes special appearance at Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness
Young book lovers in Inverness had the chance to meet the popular storybook character, the Gruffalo, as he approaches his 25th birthday.
The event, at the Eastgate Shopping Centre, marked World Book Day and the end of a book donation drive run in conjunction with Highland Action for Little Ones (Halo).
The charity, which recently opened its donation centre in the shopping centre, aims to ensure every child in need feels valued, cared for and equipped to overcome challenges.
It does this by collecting donations of new and pre-loved items which are recycled and reused including the provision of books.
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The donation of gently-used or new books was promoted last month and involved the wider community including local educational institutions such as TFX Performing Arts School and Dalneigh Primary School.
To mark the end of the book drive, Halo volunteers dressed as their favourite characters while Nevis – the children's club mascot at Eastgate – lent a helping paw.
The Gruffalo also made a special appearance at Waterstones book shop where there were storytelling sessions.
Halo thanked everyone who had donated books
"Your contributions and efforts will make a huge difference in the lives of so many children, not only giving them the gift of reading but helping to create those special story time moments," it stated on social media.
The Gruffalo, by author Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, was originally published on March 23 1999.
