A much-loved Kent celebrity is urging schools and families to embrace a scheme that encourages children to read more books.

Children’s television presenter Phil Gallagher is joining the call for schools to register for KM reading initiative Buster’s Book Club. The scheme taps into children’s competitive spirit to boost home reading and discover a real love of books.

Phil, better known as CBeebies' Mister Maker, said: “Buster’s Book Club is a fantastic way to get children excited about reading. I hope lots of schools sign up to the scheme this term so that as many pupils as possible can join in the fun.

“We want more parents and care givers across the county to support children’s reading at home throughout 2016.”

Participating pupils are given a set number of home reading minutes to achieve each week. They can read to themselves or to their families but their final reading figure must be signed off by a parent or guardian. Reading minutes are totted up and a trophy is awarded in assembly to the top Reading Class of the Week.

There are also inter-school reading challenges to win prizes such as book hampers or tickets to Leeds Castle or Silver Blades ice rink. One of the top prizes next year will be a storytelling visit by Phil and the winning school will receive its prize in the spring.

Organisations supporting the scheme have enabled organisers the KM Charity Team to offer a significant discount to schools. These include Kent County Council, Medway Council, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Mini Babybel, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Specsavers, Orbit South, Leeds Castle and Circle Housing Russet.

Schools joining Buster’s Book Club by Thursday, December 17 will pay less than half price per class and receive 30 child entry vouchers for Kent leisure attraction Canterbury Tales.

For more information or to register, visit www.bustersbookclub.co.uk.

• Phil is currently appearing as Muddles in the Marlowe Theatre’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. For details and tickets, visit www.marlowetheatre.com.