A SCHOOL in Darlington has shown its support to an independent reading charity while helping to develop the English skills of its pupils.

Hummersknott School and Language College organised a competition for year seven students who had to submit a review of their chosen book.

The books were given away to the children and there were 12 titles to choose from, including Framed, by Frank Cottrell Boyce, Journey to the River Sea, by Eva Ibbotsen, and Mortal Engines, by Philip Reeve.

Matthew Thompson, aged 12, won the competition with his review of Mortal Engines. He won a selection of books by Michael Morpurgo, a recent Children's Laureate.

The Booked Up programme, which is run by the independent reading charity Booktrust, encourages people of all ages and cultures to discover the enjoyment of reading.

Beckie Davis, an English teacher at Hummersknott, said: "The scheme is a wonderful idea, which allows pupils to make choices and talk about their reading in class.

"It encourages pupils to pick up a book and read, which is important in developing skills for English."