Young readers from across Rochdale were brought together for a special celebration event at Rochdale’s Children’s Library in Number One Riverside, as Paul Waugh MP presented prizes for his annual World Book Day competition.
The event, held on Saturday, saw winners, runners-up, highly commended pupils and their families come together alongside representatives from their schools and the local businesses who supported the competition, marking a borough-wide celebration of reading for pleasure.
Matilda Mann from Littleborough Community Primary School, who was announced as this year’s winner in the House of Commons, was presented with her prize in person by Paul. As part of the event, she was also given a copy of Hansard, the official parliamentary record, in which her name is now recorded following Paul’s tribute to her in Parliament on World Book Day.
Matilda, who won the competition with her review of A Box Full of Murders by Janice Hallett, also received a signed copy of the book from the Prime Minister, alongside her £40 book voucher. Her school will also receive hundreds of pounds worth of books and stationery.
Runners-up Joshua Laherty from Smithy Bridge Primary School and Darcy Hatfield from Healey Primary School were also presented with their awards at the event, each receiving a £30 book voucher and additional resources for their schools.
Highly Commended certificates were awarded to Lucy Buckley and Daisy Kearns from Crossgates Primary School, Aizah Asim from Sandbrook Primary School, Charlie McLean from Milnrow Parish Primary School, and Sunshine Whittaker from Littleborough Community Primary School.
The competition, open to Year 5 pupils across Rochdale, invited children to submit a handwritten review of their favourite book, celebrating creativity and a love of reading.
This year’s competition was supported by a number of local businesses with the support of Business in the Community including First Rochdale, H Bell & Sons, Alf Recruit, Office Supplies Now and Capture Design, whose sponsorship helped provide hundreds of pounds worth of books and stationery for local schools.
Paul Waugh MP said:
“It was fantastic to bring everyone together at Rochdale’s brilliant Children’s Library to celebrate the amazing talent and creativity of young readers across our borough.
“Meeting Matilda, Joshua, Darcy and all of our highly commended pupils in person really brought home just how much enthusiasm there is for reading among young people in Rochdale.
“I was especially pleased to present Matilda with a copy of Hansard, where her name is now part of the official parliamentary record after I recognised her achievement in the House of Commons, and a signed copy of her book from the Prime Minister.
“I want to thank all the pupils who took part, the teachers and parents who supported them, and the fantastic local businesses who helped make this competition possible. It’s a great example of Rochdale coming together to support the next generation.”
