Around 300 children from Fareham have taken part in a storytelling event that helped them fall in love with reading.

The event which was organised by Whiteley Shopping Centre allowed children to listen to stories from professional storyteller Amanda Kane Smith, who encouraged them to read outside of the classroom. 

Amanda specialises in combining music and movement with traditional storytelling. Her workshops have been described as high-energy and visually exciting, often involving a variety of props, many of which are handmade.

During the literacy-focused events, pupils from Holbrook Primary School, St John's C of E Primary School, and Bedenham Primary School took part in a range of fun activities, including a Waterstone’s ‘make your own book’ stall and talks from several libraries about their summer reading challenge. 

They were also able to take home a book of their choice.

This event is an award-winning initiative sponsored by Whiteley Shopping Centre co-owner British Land and runs in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Daily Echo: Fareham children take part in storytelling sessions organised by Whiteley Fareham children take part in storytelling sessions organised by Whiteley (Image: National Literacy Trust)

So far, the programme has supported more than 1,900 schoolchildren and seen more than 5,900 books donated across Fareham. 

Mia Gordon, centre director, said: "Supporting our community is very important to us, so we’re incredibly proud of the Young Readers Programme and all the local children and families we’ve been able to support in the last seven years.

"It’s always very rewarding to hear how the children are inspired by the stories and start to get excited about reading and bringing their own books home."

Martin Galway, head of school programmes at the National Literacy Trust, said: "The right book, at the right moment, can change a child’s life.

"That’s what the Young Readers Programme has been doing with British land for the last 12 years—giving children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience enchanting storytelling events and to choose books that speak to their interests and passions.

"Our goal is to spark a love of reading that will last them a lifetime, which in turn will empower them with the literacy skills they need to succeed."