CHRISTMAS came early for 200 North-East youngsters who were given free books as part of a drive to promote literacy.
Year seven pupils at Easington Community School, east Durham, received the first of three books each from the Reading is Fundamental in Easington project, which aims to encourage reading for pleasure.
The youngsters chose the books from a list of titles picked by their year's book committee on a visit to W H Smith, in Newcastle.
The most popular choice was J K Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which pipped David Beckham's autobiography and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, by Richie Cussack.
The project is a partnership of Easington and Seaham Education Action Zone (EAZ) and the national charity Reading is Fundamental.
It saw author and storyteller Malcolm Green spend a day with the pupils.
Easington and Seaham EAZ literacy consultant Judi Yoxall said: "It is really inspiring to see so many youngsters actively involved in selecting their own books and getting pleasure from reading."
Headteacher Paul McHugh said: "We are very keen to encourage youngsters to read for pleasure because it helps broaden minds and fosters the imagination. This initiative will contribute to the rising literacy standards within the school."
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