MORE than 1,000 children who once struggled with reading got together to celebrate their progress.

The celebration of the Every Child A Reader programme was held at Sussex County Cricket Ground with children and parents enjoying entertainment by dancers from Patcham High, authors and actors and the Director of the International Literacy Centre Julia Douitil.

The programme has helped thousands of children struggling with reading and writing to be able to succeed and engage with learning and has been a huge success in Brighton and Hove's work to raise standards across the city.

Kathryn Coleman, teacher and event organiser, said: "This was an incredible event celebrating the achievements of these amazing children and their families and the dedication of the schools and teachers and volunteers who work on the Every Child a Reader

programme.

"It was amazing to have such support from the local community to make this happen with no budget. We are particularly grateful to Sussex County Cricket Ground, Gladrags Community Fancy Dress Resource and The Book Nook for helping out."

This summer marks the sixth anniversary of the Every Child A Reader initiative in the city and will also see the first children to benefit from the scheme in year one going off to secondary school at the end of this term.

At the celebration the children all took part in a huge sponsored read led by Willy Wonka and the 5 lucky Golden Ticket winners.

Then the children, with help from the Big Friendly Giant, then all signed up to the Summer Reading Challenge with Brighton and Hove Library Service.

This year it is entitled The Big Friendly Read, and is Roald Dahl themed to help celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday. This scheme aims to keep children reading throughout the summer. It is now open for all Brighton and Hove children to sign up to at their local library.