STUDENTS, tutors and dignitaries booked their place for a marathon reading sessions to help children across the world gain an education.

Campaigners at Darlington College joined supporters across the world for The Big Read to help raise money for more than 75 million children go to school.

College learning advisor Ali Wright, who organised the event in Darlington, said: "In 2000 world leaders promised that every child across the globe would receive an education by 2015 but there are still over 70 million children who are missing out on schooling due to poverty.

"This event will help to keep up the pressure on these global leaders to remember their promise to end this education crisis."

Darlington mayor Ian Haszeldine, who contributed a poem, said: "It is really important for young people, wherever they live, to have the right to an education.

"Events like this are vitally important in helping to promote that message to the people that can make it happen."

A reading was also made on behalf of North East MEP Stephen Hughes, who was unable to attend, in support of the campaign.

Student Leigh Howgate, 16, of Darlington, added: "It is essential that every child gets an education so that they can get a good job.

"We hope our messages today help the government and other world leaders remember the promises they made."