VOLUNTEERS are paying tribute to one of the greatest scholars in English history by reading his work aloud.

More than 100 volunteers will be reading sections from the work of the Venerable Bede, known as the Father of English History, at his shrine in Durham Cathedral’s Galilee Chapel.

The Read Bede project will see extracts from the Anglo-Saxon scholar’s famous work The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, read over the course of five days.

Children from the Venerable Bede Academy,in Sunderland and St Bede’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College, in Lanchester began the mammoth task by reading chapters from Book One of the volume, which outlines the history of England from Caesar’s invasion in 55 B.C. to the arrival of Christianity with St Augustine in 597 A.D.

Catherine Brown, literacy co-ordinator and English teacher at the Lanchester school, said: “The opportunity to take part in such a wonderful event is invaluable to our students.

“Read Bede gives them the chance to improve their public speaking, whilst also supporting the strong reading ethos that the school promotes.

“Our students are very excited to be part of this fantastic project. As a Catholic community we look to offer as many opportunities as possible for our students to participate in a vibrant and dynamic spiritual life. 'Read Bede' is an exciting and original way for them to do this and they can't wait.”

Read Bede takes place until Saturday, May 24 from 9.30am to 4.30pm each day and until noon on Saturday.

There will also be a study afternoon entitled Bede: History, Theology and Prayer on Saturday, May 24 in Prior's Hall with Durham University speakers exploring different aspects of the saint’s heritage.

The event is free, but donations of £10 are welcome on the day, Places can be booked on 0191 386 4266.