Summer reading successes

CONGRATULATIONS: Pupils who took part in the Summer Reading Challenge

The annual event, run by the charity The Reading Agency and Lancashire County Council’s Libraries Service, encourages children to read several library books during the summer holidays and take part in library activities.

A group of 46 children were nominated by their schools to attend the celebratory event at Turf Moor, organised by Burnley libraries, Burnley FC and the Burnley Children and Young People’s Trust.

The children were met by the Burnley mascot Bertie Bee, who showed them to the James Hargreaves Suite for the start of the event.

After a warm welcome, children were awarded with a certificate and books by the Mayor of Burnley, Coun. Andy Tatchell, and children’s author Tom Palmer, who later did a personalised book signing.

Children who took part in the challenge had been nominated by their schools and entered into a prize draw, which took place during the event. Five pupils were randomly selected for a free family tour around the Turf Moor.

County Coun. Marcus Johnstone, Cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services, presented prizes to some of the schools.

He said: “The annual Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to discover the pleasures of reading and has proven to be an even bigger success than last year with more children taking up the challenge in the Burnley area.

“It is wonderful to see children come into libraries during the summer holidays, taking part in fun activities, choosing and reading six or more library books. This is very important to prevent their reading skills from dropping during the holidays.”

Springfield Community Primary School received a Schools Library Service Fantastic Book Awards subscription for a year. The prize was given for the highest percentage of children from the school taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge.

St John the Baptist RC Primary School, Padiham, received a prize for the highest percentage of children completing the challenge. A group of 20 pupils will be able to enjoy a behind the scenes tour of Turf Moor.

The Mayor of Burnley, Coun. Andy Tatchell said: “It was heart-warming to see so many of our youngest residents take part and succeed in the Summer Reading Challenge, a great initiative encouraging children to read for pleasure and enjoy reading.”