OLD paperbacks have been transformed into brand new reads to encourage the next generation of literary lovers.

Pupils and parents at Southill Primary School asked for donations of old books, and then held two sales so they could go to new homes and be read by others.

At the sales, the youngsters and their parents also provided refreshments and home-made cakes. 

They raised £250, which the school spent on the latest titles by authors including David Walliams, Philip Pullman and Jacqueline Wilson.

It’s the latest literary initiative at the school which is designed to spark the children’s interest in reading.

Among the first to read the latest stories are pupils in years five and six who are taking part in the school’s new accelerated reading programme, which encourages children to read more often.

Southill Primary School deputy head teacher and English leader Caroline Wood said there are many benefits to children enjoying a good book.

She said: “We want everyone at Southill to read more because we know that children who love 
reading do better at school and are happier and more resilient.

“We didn’t have enough exciting titles that would entice the pupils, particularly the boys, to pick up a book.”

Friends of Southill School chairman Emily Jones said: “We now have lots of brand new, lovely titles which the children can’t wait to read. This is a great example of staff, pupils, and parents pulling together positively to improve the resources available at the school.”

The school has a particular focus on the part that reading for pleasure plays in learning. Past events have included talks by nationally-renowned authors, themed events such as a heroes and villains day and a visit by the BBC Rhyme Rocket.

Southill also regularly invites parents and grandparents of pupils in to lead story-telling sessions. 

Highlights have included a grandad who told how he was attacked by a shark as he tested nuclear submarines in the USA, plus a mum who translated a story written in her native Japanese.