Drumlins Integrated Primary School in Ballynahinch played host to a number of well-known local personalities and politicians who helped them to celebrate the school’s innovative book week.

‘What reading means to me’ was the theme of the week which took place at the County Down school from Monday 25 February to Friday 1 March.

Drumlins Principal Janice Marshall said she “was absolutely delighted” with the range of people offering to help to make the school’s book week a “real page turner”.

Some of the well-known faces who have pledged their support to the event include: TV presenter Pamela Ballintine; Citybeat presenter Stephen Clements; World champion blind water-skier Janet Gray; and political representatives including local MPs and MLAs representing all main political parties. These politicians include Jeffrey Donaldson, MP, Margaret Richie, MP, Chris Hazzard, Sinn Fein education spokesperson, Trevor Lunn, MLA and Mike Nesbitt, MLA.

One of the main aims of the week was to show Drumlins pupils that reading is fun, entertaining and informative.

Mrs Marshall said: “The week gave pupils the opportunity to meet and hear from people from many different walks of life. They got to hear what reading means to them and how it relates to their work. We believe this will help pupils to see that reading is not just a school-based activity but a global one.”

The school received funding for the event from Ernest Cook Trust and it is linked to other initiatives developed by the school such as a book club.

The school also ran book competitions during the week with each class carrying out book activities focusing on reading, including a Pyjama Day on Friday 1st March with bedtime stories, milk and cookies for everyone.

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