A NEW initiative has been launched at Peasedown St John Primary School to help promote a ‘love of reading’ among pupils.

Starting this year, all children in Year 3 will receive one book every term as a gift, aimed at encouraging children to read for pleasure.

School headteacher Ruth Noall said: “The books have been carefully chosen to match each child's reading ability and their interests. They were wrapped and delivered by hand over the half term break.

“The books arrived with a note from their teachers explaining the scheme and asking children to enjoy their books with their class, their friends and their families.”

“Alongside the give-away there will be events and activities planned over the year for parents to join their children to read together. As a school we are highly committed to giving your child as many experiences as we possibly can and this book give-away is one of them.”

The initiative follows the success of the summer holiday reading challenge, where the school kept the library open for children to read and swap books during the break.

The challenge lasted all summer and included asking children to read a range of genres, to read to friends, to read in different places and to visit the school and local libraries.

Children could achieve various levels of success, and many children reached the platinum level, receiving a badge and certificate in recognition for their effort.

For more information about Peasedown St John Primary School visit website www.psjprimary.co.uk and follow them on Facebook at @psjprimary