Literacy lovers had a treat at Lea and Garsdon CE Primary School last week as pupils enjoyed a five-day long series of activities as part of Reading Festival Week.

The event, to promote the enjoyment of reading, saw youngsters take part in everything from poetry workshops with children’s author Steve Voakes to a Drop Everything and Read initiative where pupils had to grab a book every time the bell sounded.

Headteacher Kay Vousden said: “The children just loved the Drop Everything and Read game and were begging me at lunch time and play time to ring the bell more often as they were keen to get on with reading their fantastic books.”

Other activities included a reading challenged where children recorded the number of minutes spent reading each day; and a paired reading activity which saw older pupils joining to share their books with young ones.

There was also a visit from storyteller, John Harris, who signed copies of his latest books.

An extreme reading competition, where children were asked to submit photos of them reading in the silliest possible place, was particularly popular.

Entries included pupils reading in a tree, on the bonnet of a car and while riding a bike. Photos have been displayed in school and a prize awarded for the best entry.