The star of CBeebies’ television show Mister Maker has rewarded Kent’s top bookworms with a storytelling visit.

Phil Gallagher was the guest of honour at a special assembly at Manor Community Primary School, Dartford where he read a story to all the pupils as the prize for Sky Class coming first in a county-wide home reading competition.

The contest was organised by the KM Charity Team, which runs the Buster’s Book Club scheme for schools to encourage pupils to develop a love of books.

Hundreds of youngsters took up the challenge to notch up the biggest number of minutes spent reading at home. Sky Class took the star prize while district level winners across the county were rewarded with free tickets to Silver Blades ice rink.

Phil, who is an honorary patron of the KM Charity Team, said: “Sky Class are very worthy winners of the competition.

“It’s nice to meet the children and see the impact the competition has had on them. They’ve enjoyed reading, obviously enjoyed winning the competition, and I think that will set a bit of a legacy here.”

Naidu Indira, teacher at Manor Community Primary School, said: “Buster’s Book Club has helped our children to become more focused with their reading. We’ve seen the impact on their writing skills, their reading skills, and their comprehension skills.

“It’s quite exciting because they knew that there was something to win at the end of it as well.”

Phil is also an honorary patron of the Beanstalk charity that provides one-to-one reading support for children.

Malou Bengtsson-Wheeler, Beanstalk’s area manager for Kent, said: “We are delighted that Phil has come to the school to help spread the joy of reading.

“By making reading a fun activity, as is done by Beanstalk reading helpers, we can help ensure that every child has the confidence to reach their potential.”

Organisations supporting Buster’s Book Club include Kent County Council, Medway Council, Mini Babybel, Specsavers, Orbit South, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Leeds Castle, The Ernest Cook Trust, and Three R’s Teacher Recruitment.

The initiative, which is being used in 40 primary schools in the county, works by setting pupils an individual home reading target, plus a series of reading challenges throughout the year and an annual record attempt.

Schools can find out more at www.bustersbookclub.co.uk.

• Phil Gallagher will be starring as Muddles in the Marlowe Theatre’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and he features in the Phil and Ted’s Excellent Adventures blog at www.philandted.co.uk.

• Beanstalk is in urgent need of volunteers in the Kent area. If you would like to transform a child’s life contact020 7729 4087or visit www.beanstalkcharity.co.uk.