Bringing the magic of reading to life at Sheffield's Meadowhall

Over the past few months pupils from Wincobank Nursery and Infant School, Phillimore Community Primary School in Darnall and Concord Junior School in Wincobank have taken part in three literacy-focused events where they learned how to choose books they will enjoy and selected three to take home for free.

The project culminated in a special event at Meadowhall earlier this month where pupils took part in literacy-focused activities, including a storytelling session.

Darren Pearce, Meadowhall Shopping Centre director, said: “It was great to see the children get really excited about reading and watch them be inspired to choose which books to take home.

“A big thanks to WH Smith and Vue Cinema who helped to make the day enjoyable for all involved too.

“The programme really helps to make a difference in our local area and is a wonderful way to encourage the children to read books outside of school time.”

Denise Fox, lord mayor of Sheffield, said: “I was delighted to take part in the storytelling session and see for myself the direct impact of the programme.”

The session was part of the National Literacy Trust’s Young Readers Programme, which encourages children under the age of 11 to read for fun in their spare time.

As part of the programme, Meadowhall is running a competition to find the area’s young ‘reading hero’.

The competition will reward children under the age of 12 who have gone above and beyond to inspire others to read, such as helping a sibling or reading stories to family members.

One winner from Sheffield will receive two £100 national book tokens - one for them and one for their school.

Parents, guardians or anyone inspired by a child can nominate at https://www.meadowhall.co.uk