More than 250 children from Swindon have taken part in storytelling sessions designed to inspire a love of reading.
The event took place as new research shows reading for enjoyment among eight to 18-year-olds in the UK is at its lowest level for nearly two decades.
The National Literacy Trust states reading for pleasure is proven to build a child's confidence and induce feelings of happiness and relaxation, however, only 42 per cent of children and young people in the South West say they enjoy reading in their free time.
Orbital Shopping Park organised the storytelling events as part of the award-winning Young Readers Programme.
In partnership with its owner British Land and the National Literacy Trust, the initiative is tailored towards encouraging children to read outside academic settings.
Tom Mitchell, centre manager at Orbital, said: "We are incredibly proud of the Young Readers Programme and all the local children and families we have been able to support over many years.
“It’s such a rewarding initiative, hearing how the children are inspired by the stories and activities and seeing just how excited they are to take their own book home."
Children from Millbrook and Moredon primary schools and Hazelwood Academy enjoyed a performance from a professional poet and took part in a range of activities including a baking workshop.
They were also given the chance to interact with emergency service workers and look inside a police car and fire engine.
Each child was gifted a free book of their choice, making it the third batch of books donated this year through the programme.
Martin Galway, head of school programmes at the National Literacy Trust, said: "Sparking a love of reading can change a child’s life.
"Through the Young Readers Programme, we have partnered with British Land for the last 13 years – giving children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience enchanting storytelling events, and to choose and keep books that speak to their interests and passions."
This year marks the 13th anniversary of the partnership between British Land and the National Literacy Trust.
Since its inception, it has supported more than 1,700 school children and has seen more than 5,300 books donated across Swindon.
The Young Readers Programme is especially designed to provide additional support and help with the development of children in under privileged areas by giving them better access to books.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here