Thousands of people across Europe are helping to mark the annual European Day of Languages - taking part in hundreds of events ranging from taster lessons for adults to language-themed school lunches.

There are more than 200 languages spoken among the 800 million people who live in the Council of Europe's 47 member countries.

The aim of the day, which grew out of the European Year of Languages in 2001, is to help preserve at-risk languages, as well as encouraging people to learn more languages, to boost what is called plurilingualism.

In a statement to mark the day, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, said "openness, tolerance and rejection of hate at all levels of society are key indicators of a strong, value-conscious and successful Europe."

Van der Bellen said the day helped people to appreciate Europe's cultural diversity "and to demonstrate that all voices in Europe are treated with equal respect."

You can find out what events are being held, on the European Day of Languages website.