Young bookworms from around the world are being put through their paces tomorrow at the World Final of the annual Kids Lit Quiz in Oxford.

The top teams from China, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK will compete at the Oxford Playhouse, in Beaumont Street, from 1pm.

They will answer questions about all things connected with children's literature in a bid to be crowned champions.

It is the second time Oxford has hosted the World Finals, and today's event will be attended by 30 top children's authors, including Alan Gibbons, Gillian Cross, Julia Golding, Linda Newbury and Vicar of Dibley scriptwriter Paul Mayhew Archer.

Co-ordinator Jacky Atkinson, a former librarian at Oxford's Cherwell School, said: "It's all about getting children reading and trying to spread the word about the joy of reading.

"Because it's an international event, it gets children from other countries meeting like-minded children, which is great."

Spectators are invited to go along to the Playhouse for the quiz, but are warned that a few questions could be fired their way.

Mrs Atkinson said: "During the rounds it's quite intense but, in between, it's a wonderful atmosphere. It's a lot of fun."

The teams are spending a week in the city and visiting sites of literary interest, including CS Lewis's former home, the Kilns.

Among the activities on offer was high tea with Children's Laureate - and former Oxford University student - Michael Rosen, author of dozens of children's books including We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

He said: "We have got to get into the public space and talk about books and show how interesting and great they are. We need to keep children's reading alive and exciting wherever possible."

Mr Rosen was last in the city to record a Radio 4 programme called Dons and Dragons about fantasy writers from Oxford, such as Lewis Carroll.

As part of tomorrow's events, pupils from Oxfordshire schools will be carrying out workshops with authors including Nicola Morgan, Alan Biggons, Sarah Garson and Diana Hofmeyr.