Morecambe Football Club's mascot has delighted local school children with visits to celebrate World Book Day.
Christie the Cat popped in to several local primary schools this week as part of a Morecambe FC Community Sports initiative to support young readers.
Christie even read a story called 'Dinosaurs Love Underpants' to pupils at West End Primary School!
To celebrate World Book Day (today, March 3), Morecambe FC Community Sports have given 300 free, brand new books and 50 WH Smith vouchers to six primary schools in the local area.
This supports young readers as part of a partnership between Premier League Primary Stars and the National Literacy Trust.
The partnership has enabled 27,000 free books to be distributed to schools across England and Wales via 81 professional football club community organisations delivering the Premier League Primary Stars education programme.
National Literacy Trust research found that children who own their own books are nearly three times more likely to enjoy reading. Lockdowns have made it difficult for children to access physical books because of school and public library closures, so getting copies of books into the hands of children is more vital than ever.
Since the launch of the Premier League Primary Stars education programme in 2016, the Premier League has distributed 152,000 free books to school children.
Janet Preston, Head of Community at Morecambe FC Community Sports, said: “We are delighted to support World Book Day by visiting local primary schools and organising assemblies and class visits.
Below, Christie the Cat visits Morecambe Bay Primary School.
"We will be handing out free books and vouchers provided by our partners at the National Literacy Trust.
"When children enjoy reading, they are more likely to read more often and engage in a wider range of text. It is important for children to read because it supports many areas of their learning.
"To further support pupils on World Book Day at 10.30am, the National Literacy Trust will host a fun-filled Premier League Primary Stars live event, featuring the authors of Football school (one of last year’s World Book Day titles), Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton. The 30 minute event - The Great Big 2022 World Book Day Footy & Booky Quiz - will be hosted by sports presenter Kelly Somers and will include a special round of questions set by players from the Premier League, the EFL and the Women’s Super League.
"What’s more, the brilliant football school: Terrific Teams, written by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton, will be available to read online for free from the National Literacy Trust’s Words for life website, thanks to publisher Walker Books. Teachers can also access an exciting Premier League Primary Stars World Book Day football-themed challenge with the duo via this page too."
Below, Christie the Cat visits Trumacar Nursery and Community Primary School
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
Morecambe homeless man jailed after admitting criminal damage
Firefighters tackle fire at flat in Morecambe
Lancaster youth charity awarded £221,400 towards vision for 'creative youth space' in city
Tennis club near Lancaster unveils new courts after £50,000 fundraising campaign
INTERVIEW: Highest Point chief 'proud' of lineup for 2024 festival
Highest Point festival stage times: all you need to know
