Train operator Avanti West Coast has joined forces with a children’s book company to donate hundreds of titles to primary schools.
Avanti is lending its support to Little Box of Books in an effort to provide a diverse and inclusive selection of literature to schools to encourage and celebrate the joy of reading. The book company recently launched a campaign to work with businesses so that every child has the opportunity to become a reader.
The books provided are chosen to be representative, so children see more of themselves in stories they read – helping them better understand the world and their place in it.
As part of World Book Day, boxes containing 100 storybooks were delivered to 11 schools across the West Coast Main Line route including Lancaster, Runcorn, Manchester, Crewe, Liverpool, Macclesfield, Stockport and Penrith.
The support for the initiative is part of a wider strategy adopted by Avanti West Coast aimed at children and young people, which includes a schools engagement programme about careers in rail.
Helen Diksa, executive director of Human Resources, at Avanti West Coast, said: “We are really proud to be supporting Little Box of Books to help children discover the delights of reading, as it is so important to pick up a book at an early age.
“At Avanti West Coast one of our aims is to connect young people with opportunity which is why we got involved in this fabulous initiative.”
Founder and director of Little Box of Books, Lynsey Pollard, said: “Reading is the most crucial skill for all children. Little Box of Books is on a mission to get more inclusive books into as many primary schools as we can and we’re so grateful for Avanti West Coast’s support.
“The books we feature reflect the society we live in, in all its multicultural and diverse brilliance, because everyone deserves to see themselves in a leading role.”
