To celebrate World
Book Day, the National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford and Grand Central Rail
will be transforming a train carriage into a hub of literacy activity.
Passengers will include local authors who will inspire pupils to read and
write as they travel through Yorkshire’s captivating scenery.
The Lord Mayor of
Bradford, Joanne Dodds, will send children on a literacy-packed journey from
Bradford Interchange station by handing out books and chatting to pupils
before they set off for Doncaster.
On board the train,
Yorkshire-based authors Mike Pannett and Irene Lofthouse, who both explore
Yorkshire’s stunning countryside, fascinating characters and local history in
their writing, will encourage 30 Year 5 children from Easburn Infant and
Junior School, Parkland Primary School and Girlington Primary School to do
the same through storytelling, creative writing workshops and a competition.
The wordsmiths will
use extracts from their books and views from the train to inspire the
children to produce pieces of creative writing influenced by the range of
scenes speeding past through the train windows. Prizes will be given out at
the end of the journey to reward the most evocative prose.
Sean English,
Acting Managing Director at Grand Central said:
“At Grand Central
Rail, we pride ourselves on the close links we have with the communities
along our routes, and it is wonderful to be able to work with National
Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford and spread the joy of reading to children in
the local area. World Book Day is a fantastic celebration of literacy, and we
are delighted to be able to be part of it. We’re looking forward to welcoming
our young travellers on board.”
Imran Hafeez,
Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford said:
“We’re
delighted that Grand Central Rail are supporting the National Literacy Trust
Hub in Bradford through hosting this unique event which will stimulate
children’s imagination, motivate them to read and give them confidence in their
writing skills and ability to try new
experiences. World Book Day is a great time to celebrate authors from Yorkshire
who aim to inspire a new generation to engage in the art of storytelling and to
enjoy reading more books.”
