Primary school children who have burrowed into their books have been awarded at a special celebration staged at "the loveliest castle in the world".

Pupils across the county taking part in home reading initiative Buster's Book Club were crowned champions at Leeds Castle following their Spring Challenge Day success.

All schools partaking in the schemes were required to read additional minutes on the Challenge Day, with the class producing the most collective reading times rewarded.

Key partners of the literacy campaign gathered to commend the hard-working children and grant them with framed certificates and free entry tickets to Leeds Castle.

Alison Nightingale of Three R's Teacher Recruitment, said: "It is a real privilege to be here today congratulating pupils with their reading efforts. The promotion of home reading keeps children engaged and learning after they have left the classroom, and has significant impact on performance once the school day begins."

Young pupils from Elham CEP School seem to agree. Lucy Owen and Scarlett Newing, both five, voiced their support for Buster's Book Club. They said: "We love reading because we get to learn new words which we can use in our school work!"

Teacher Dan File of Elham CEP School added: " We have means of inspiring children to read at school, but we wanted to find a way to engage children's literacy at home. Buster's Book Club has helped prompt reading across all year groups at our school by providing healthy competition, rewards and special days such as today."

Organisations backing home reading services for schools include Specsavers, Mini Babybel, Kent County Council, Medway Council, Golding Vision (Part of Golding Homes), Kent Reliance, Three R's Teacher Recruitment and Orbit South.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team which organises Buster's Book Club and Reading Bug, said: “Our reading champions have provided tremendous work and are helping us raise the total number of minutes read across the county, which currently has surpassed one million. It's a delight to congratulate them today and we hope their efforts inspire others."

Schools can join KM home reading initiatives by contacting the KM Charity Team on 0844 264 0291 or chayes@thekmgroup.co.uk