MORE than 245 children from Ealing have taken part in story-telling sessions designed to inspire a love of reading.
It comes as new research reveals that reading for enjoyment among 8-18s in the UK is at its lowest for almost two decades.
The event was organised and hosted by Ealing Broadway shopping centre as part of the Young Readers Programme, an initiative between its owner, British Land, and the National Literacy Trust.
Children from Oldfield Primary, West Twyford Primary and West Acton Primary enjoyed a performance from a professional storyteller and took part in a range of activities, including a quiz at Ealing Library and movie trailers in the Ealing Project cinema.
Each child was also given a book of his or her choice to take home for free.
This is the 13th year of British Land’s partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Since the programme launched at Ealing Broadway, it has supported more than 2,800 school children and led to more than 8,400 books being donated across Ealing.
According to the Trust, reading for enjoyment is proven to build a child’s confidence as well as make them feel happy and relaxed.
Yet only 40% children and young people from Ealing say they enjoy reading in their free time.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here