Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, is launching a World Book Day competition for Year 5 pupils living or being educated in the Rochdale constituency. The competition invites young people to write about their favourite book and why they love it so much.

World Book Day is all about championing the fun of reading, because reading for fun is the single biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful life. But here’s the challenge: it’s at an all-time low, with only 1 in 3 children now saying they enjoy reading.

“This competition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate World Book Day, encourage reading, and reward students for their passion for literature,” said Waugh. He thanked Chris Minogue and the team at Business in the Community’s ‘Rochdale Place Programme’ for their support, as well as Rochdale businesspeople Gavin Reynolds from Alf Recruit, Louise Rothwell from I-Branded, and John Fitton from Office Supplies Now for kindly donating prizes to the competition.

Competition Details:
Who can enter: Year 5 pupils, living or educated in the Rochdale constituency.
Task: Write a review of your favourite book.
Deadline: 5pm on Friday 28th February 2025
Submission: Email entries to paul.waugh.mp@parliament.uk with the subject line: [WORLD BOOK DAY COMPETITION]. Please include the child’s full name, and school name or home address. Handwritten entries can be scanned in.
Prizes include:
– First place: A £30 book voucher, plus personalised gift sets, bookmarks, and pocket cushions from I-Branded.
– Two Runners-up: Personalised gift sets, bookmarks, and pocket cushions from I-Branded
– School of the winner: 3 collections of books, worth £175, donated by Alf Recruit and a £200 voucher to use on Office Supplies Now products

The winner will be announced on World Book Day, 6th March 2025, and Paul will be presenting the first-place prize in person.

Waugh added, “I’m looking forward to reading through all the wonderful entries. I hope this competition helps fuel our children’s excitement for reading, both in school and at home”.

For more information on the competition, please email Paul’s office at the address above.

About World Book Day | World Book Day is the reading for fun charity. We champion the fun of reading, because it seriously improves lives. Reading for fun is the single biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful life – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational backgrounds or their income. But here’s the challenge, it’s at an all-time low, with only 1 in 3 children now saying they enjoy reading. We believe children are more likely to read if they enjoy it, so we’re on a mission to encourage them to see reading as an entertaining, social and fun thing to do. We want more children to grow up with a life-long, life-changing habit of reading for fun, and all the benefits this brings. www.worldbookday.com

About our sponsors:
ALF Recruit are a trusted partner for high-end, high-quality recruitment in Finance, Accountancy, Business Support, and Financial Services. We specialise in connecting top-tier talent with businesses ranging from dynamic SMEs to prestigious FTSE-listed companies. We take a bespoke approach, ensuring that every placement is a strategic fit, from senior executives and directors to specialised finance roles and business support – based in the North West with a Nationwide coverage.

Rochdale-based i-Branded Ltd brings over 20 years of industry experience, offering an extensive range of products, including a vast selection of sustainable and recycled options. From pens, water bottles, leavers hoodies and branded workwear to fully bespoke personal creations, we cater to many industry sectors with solutions to suit every budget. Providing a personalised service, we offer expert advice and guidance, seamlessly supporting marketing teams where needed.

Rochdale Based Office Supplies Now – supply Everything for a Workplace for both Businesses & Schools. We supply everything from Office & School Supplies, Office & Classroom Furniture & Seating, Printers &Cartridges, Secure Shredding, Branded Gifts, PPE & Workwear. The majority of items delivered next day by our own staff and delivery vehicles.

Business in the Community (BITC) is the King’s Responsible Business Network, the UK’s largest and most influential responsible business network dedicated to building a fairer and greener world together. We inspire, engage, and challenge leaders to take practical action to mobilise their collective strength as a force for good in society.