THE Mayor of Swindon presented awards to the winners of the town’s Youth Festival of Literature on Thursday during a ceremony as proud parents applauded their children's achievements.

Councillor Maureen Penny handed out prizes at The Platform on Faringdon Road to students who took part in writing, illustrating and quizzing competitions during the festival, which ran from November 6 to 10.

Some 140 parents and pupils from schools across the town turned up to watch the winners receive their certificates before having their picture taken with the mayor.

"This evening is a culmination of a year's work and it is lovely to see the parents here with the students to receive their awards," said Fiona Hardcastle, learning and resource centre manager at the Dorcan Academy, who helped organised the festival.

Those accepting prizes included Jack Browning from the Lawn Manor Academy, who was the overall winner of the creative writing competition, and St Joseph’s Catholic College whose team won the inter-school book quiz.

"What can be better than reading," said the mayor. "It is a fantastic idea and I'm very pleased to be here."

Russell Langdon from the Lawn Manor Academy, representing the Swindon Association of Secondary Headteachers, praised the students' passion and dedication during the festival, and the momentum created by students on social media.

For more information about the festival visit www.swindonyfl.co.uk