Pupils across the county have reaped the riches of reading through their involvement with literacy initiatives Buster’s Book Club and Reading Bug.

10,700 pupils from 50 primary schools in Kent, Medway and Bexley have been formally welcomed into the Reading Millionaires Club after accumulating a remarkable 1,008,239 minutes of reading this academic year already.

Kirsten Collin, literacy leader at Whitstable Junior School, said: “All our children are encouraged to take part in Buster’s Book Club, and we find as teachers that pupils arrive to school feeling very enthused and impassioned about their reading. They are regularly striving to beat their targets, as well as incorporating those ‘wow words’ they have learnt from their books into their schoolwork.”

Vicki Lyden of The Canterbury Tales, said: “In a technological age; one of great immediacy, it is a rare treat to have a scheme that builds upon the connection of family and shared reading. Children developing good literacy skills are guiding themselves towards a brighter, happier future.”

In 2015, young bookworms broke records after racking up 2,001,639 minutes across the school year, so pupils are currently on track to beat this figure before the summer break.

Buster’s Book Club and Reading Bug sets a reading target by year group and provides incentives for the children including prizes for star readers and a class of the week trophy.

Inter-school reading challenges reward best or most improved classes with prizes including storyteller visits, hampers of books, and tickets to Kent attractions Leeds Castle and Silver Blades ice rink.

Simon Dolby, chief executive at the KM Charity Team which organises the schemes, said: “We are very proud of our devoted young readers. To surpass one million minutes is a tremendous achievement, and we think they’ll be a new record figure as the 2015/2016 school year concludes!”

Organisations championing Buster’s Book Club and Reading Bug include Specsavers, Kent County Council, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Mini Babybel, Circle House Russet, Golding Homes, Leeds Castle, Medway Council and Orbit South.

For more information or to register your school, visit www.bustersbookclub.co.uk or contact Charlotte Hayes at chayes@thekmgroup.co.uk