BUDDING bookworms have been busy taking part in a scheme designed to get children reading.

Youngsters at schools across MP Priti Patel's constituency have been taking part in her ninth annual Get Witham Reading event on Friday.

Pupils at Tiptree Heath Primary, Kelvedon St Mary’s, Stanway Fiveways and Maltings Academy sent the Home Secretary book reviews and poems.

Students at Powers Hall, Templars and Silver End academies also took part in activities at school, including reading in groups and creating story boards.

Ms Patel had urged children to participate at school and online, encouraging them to read as many books as possible, and submit book reviews and poems to her.

She said: “I am delighted that so many children across the constituency participated in Get Witham Reading 2020 and I send my thanks to all the schools and pupils that ran activities or submitted book reviews and poems for making this year’s event a great success.

"Despite these unusual times and the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had, I hope everyone who took part had an exciting day of reading and storytelling.

“Get Witham Reading is such an important initiative to inspire children of all ages to appreciate the joys and benefits of reading. I hope all children that participated this year will continue to read both inside and outside of school and I am already looking forward to launching next year’s event.”