A beloved children’s author has joined the call to find the star literacy schemes getting pupils excited about books.

Nick Butterworth, creator of The Rescue Party and The Whisperer, is backing the Kent Literacy Awards to trumpet hard work and success in the classroom.

He said: "I’m delighted to support the awards as they celebrate and showcase the excellent initiatives being used in the region's schools. Well done to all those who go well beyond the call of duty to excite children with reading and improve vital literacy skills."

The awards shine a spotlight on innovative projects boosting youngsters’ ability to read, write, listen and speak with confidence.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the Kent Literacy Awards, said: “We are thrilled to have Nick’s support and look forward to discovering and sharing all the success stories going on in our schools.

“Pupils, parents or school staff are all welcome to put forward the top schemes at their school for an award. The winning projects will be published and distributed to schools across Kent, Medway and Bexley.”

Categories include best school library, best writing topic, best use of drama, and best book week theme.

The deadline for nominations is May 1.

Winners will be invited to an awards celebration evening at Hempstead House Hotel, Sittingbourne attended by Phil Gallagher, star of CBeebies’ Mister Maker.

The awards are supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council, Bexley Council, Beanstalk, Golding Vision, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, KMFM, Orbit South, AC Goatham and Son, Whitefriars, Specsavers, Kent Libraries and McCabe Ford Williams.

Visit kentliteracyawards.co.uk