Writing competition marks National Year of Reading
A primary school story writing competition was launched by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to support the National Year of Reading campaign.
Youngsters across the borough had the opportunity to write a story, with the winning entries being read out at the annual Snap Dragon Children and Family Festival in August and showcased in Hinckley Library.
The competition is part of a wider range of work will be taking place with local schools, libraries, community groups and voluntary organisations to maximum participation in reading and ensure activities reach those who will benefit most.
Initiatives are already in full swing to support the campaign and will continue throughout the year and beyond. This includes the launch of a book exchange scheme, available at the Hinckley Leisure Centre and The George Ward Centre, Barwell and will feature at all council-run events in Hinckley town centre. This allows people to choose a book or drop one off at the exchange, with no requirement to donate a book to choose one.
The Borough Council are proud to be supporting the National Year of Reading 2026. A motion to council was well supported and members signed a pledge to the national campaign detailing how the council will support the National Year of Reading
The Department for Education, working alongside literacy partners, has designated 2026 as the Year of Reading, with a national focus on improving literacy outcomes for Early Years children, boys aged 10–16, and disadvantaged communities.
Cllr Mullaney, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety said: “I am so pleased we are supporting the Year of Reading with such a wide range of initiatives. We are working to ensure that some of our most disadvantaged residents, including people experiencing homelessness or living in temporary accommodation, can access reading initiatives. We are also working across the borough to ensure these opportunities reach both urban and rural communities.”
Cllr Robin Webber-Jones, the Borough Council’s Children and Young People’s Champion, said: “reading is fundamental in a child’s future success; we recognise the importance we can play in creating a culture of reading not only for children and young people but for everyone. We will be championing reading across the borough not only for 2026 but also beyond’.
Photo: Cllr Michael Mullaney and Cllr Robin Webber-Jones at the launch of the council’s book exchange.
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