A city primary school has celebrated winning a top reading award.

Leighton Primary School has won the national Chapter One 'Outstanding Reading school' of the Year award – given to the school for their commitment to helping youngsters pick up a book.

While they representatives from the school were not able to attend the awards presentation in London due to the heatwave, the prize now sits proudly in the school for all to see.

Michelle Wells (Reading Leader for Leighton Primary and Preschool), said it had been a great honour to be given the award.

Leighton primary school staff Mrs Wells and Miss Brodie with pupils who have won a national reading award

placeholder image — Leighton primary school staff Mrs Wells and Miss Brodie with pupils who have won a national reading award

She said: “As the Reading leader, I have seen a hugely positive impact in the children's reading ability but as important is the shift in our culture, the children seeing themselves as readers.

"The children enjoy this special time reading and sharing stories with a volunteer whose primary purpose is to sit down and read for 30 minutes without distraction.

"We have been lucky to meet our volunteers recently in real life at our school end of year celebration and thank them for their support in spreading a love of reading for pleasure within our classes and families.

"As a school we have committed to involvement in Chapter One again next year as one of the important facets in our reading diet for our children.

“I am incredibly proud that our school has been recognised for this award as the children and staff's energy, enthusiasm and dedication to reading as a fundamental life skill is at the forefront of our ongoing school improvement priorities for every child.”