CHILDREN who are struggling in mainstream education were given a lesson in the value of reading as part of World Book Day.

Coun Cyndi Hughes, the cabinet member for children and young people, visited the Phoenix Centre, a pupil referral unit for youngsters who have been permanently excluded or at risk of exclusion.

She took along a selection of books designed to appeal to pupils at the Phoenix Centre as being both useful and fun to read.

These included a world atlas, the Guinness Book of Records and the Top Gear and Trinny and Susannah albums.

Coun Hughes who normally visits libraries and primary schools on World Book Day to read to younger children thought that it would be a good idea to try and inspire the youngsters at the Phoenix Centre this year instead.

She said: “I wanted to come and show them that books could be interesting and fun.”

Headteacher Kay Kelly said she was very pleased that Coun Hughes was able to visit the school, which has recently been taken out of special measures.

She said: “it’s been a phenomenal visit. We’ve had a poor reputation in the past but we’re really trying to change things around.

“It’s nice that someone like Cyndi Hughes can come and report back to the elected members about the things we’re doing.

“These are some of the most vulnerable kids in Darlington and it’s good that they can sit down with strangers and have a conversation with them.”