Young readers from across Rochdale gathered at the Children’s Library to receive awards in a borough wide World Book Day competition led by local MP Paul Waugh.
The event took place at Number One Riverside on Saturday, bringing together winners, runners up and highly commended pupils alongside their families, teachers and local business supporters.
Matilda Mann from Littleborough Community Primary School was presented with the overall prize after being named the winner in the House of Commons. She received her award in person from Rochdale MP Paul Waugh and was also given a copy of Hansard, the official parliamentary record, which now includes recognition of her achievement.
Her winning entry was a review of the book A Box Full of Murders by Janice Hallett. Alongside a £40 book voucher, she received a signed copy of the book from the Prime Minister. Her school will also benefit from hundreds of pounds worth of books and stationery.
Runners up Joshua Laherty from Smithy Bridge Primary School and Darcy Hatfield from Healey Primary School were each awarded a £30 book voucher, with additional resources provided to their schools.
Highly commended certificates were presented to Lucy Buckley and Daisy Kearns from Crossgates Primary School, Aizah Asim from Sandbrook Primary School, Charlie McLean from Milnrow Parish Primary School and Sunshine Whittaker from Littleborough Community Primary School.
The competition was open to Year 5 pupils across Rochdale and invited handwritten reviews of a favourite book, encouraging reading for pleasure and creative expression.
Local businesses supported the initiative through Business in the Community, including First Rochdale, H Bell and Sons, Alf Recruit, Office Supplies Now and Capture Design, helping to fund prizes and school resources.
Paul Waugh MP said “It was fantastic to bring everyone together at Rochdale’s brilliant Children’s Library to celebrate the amazing talent and creativity of young readers across our borough.
“Meeting Matilda, Joshua, Darcy and all of our highly commended pupils in person really brought home just how much enthusiasm there is for reading among young people in Rochdale.
“I was especially pleased to present Matilda with a copy of Hansard, where her name is now part of the official parliamentary record after I recognised her achievement in the House of Commons, and a signed copy of her book from the Prime Minister.
“I want to thank all the pupils who took part, the teachers and parents who supported them, and the fantastic local businesses who helped make this competition possible. It’s a great example of Rochdale coming together to support the next generation.”
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