Children and their families are being urged to take to the streets dressed as Wally to help raise funds for the National Literacy Trust.

The Where’s Wally? Weekender is taking place across the UK on March 19 and 20.

Anyone can take part, including school groups, at any point during the weekend and anywhere. The idea is to get outside dressed in the iconic hat and jumper of Wally and run, jog or walk for one to 10 kilometres.

The event is supported by Walker Books, publishers of Where’s Wally?, and all those registering can order their free Wally costume, complete with the iconic glasses and bobble hat. Every “Wally” taking part will receive a collectable medal and a virtual goody bag.

The National Literacy Trust exists to improve the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills of children and runs Literacy Hubs and campaigns in communities where low levels of literacy and social mobility are a problem, including in Bradford, Birmingham, Hastings, Swindon, Stoke, Middlesbrough and other areas.

The charity recently launched its Words for Life website, which offers simple, educational activities for children and young people of all ages to support learning at home and help them feel more confident.

It also offers a range of free support for schools to support literacy teaching as well as wider support for assessment, parental engagement and in other areas.