A SCHEME to encourage boys to read more has been hailed a success.

Belmont School Community Arts College, in Durham, is delighted with the number of pupils who have signed up for its Carnegie Book Shadowing Event.

The Carnegie Medal is awarded annually to the writer of an outstanding book for children, and the students have volunteered to read the six shortlisted books in eight weeks and select their winner.

The boys taking part, from years seven, eight and nine, are Joe Campbell, Matthew Johnstone, Philip White, Richard Davies, Justin Ho, Daniel Mellis, Ben Walker and Chris Mudd.

School librarian Trish le Fevre said: "We are delighted that so many boys are reading and discussing the books."