Hundreds of Glasgow pupils took part in storytelling sessions recently. 

More than 270 children got to listen to stories from professional storyteller Ron Fairweather who has been writing and performing stories, songs and poems for decades.

The kids became part of the Young Readers Programme, an award-winning initiative that is designed to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.

Glasgow Times: The kids loved the story sessionThe kids loved the story session (Image: Chris Watt)

Glasgow Times: Pupils were given a giftPupils were given a gift (Image: Chris Watt)

The award-winning initiative is designed to encourage children to read outside of the classroom and is sponsored by Glasgow Fort while run-in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.

Pupils from Aultmore Park Primary School, Thorntree Primary School and St Benedict’s Primary RC School also received a goody bag and were able to take home a book of their choice.

This marks 12 years of British Land’s partnership with the National Literacy Trust.

Since the programme launched at Glasgow Fort, it has supported more than 2,900 school children and seen more than 8,900 books donated to children across the city.

Glasgow Times: The event hoped to make kids fall in love with reading outside of the classroomThe event hoped to make kids fall in love with reading outside of the classroom (Image: Chris Watt)

Glasgow Times: The session hoped to inspire children into loving booksThe session hoped to inspire children into loving books (Image: Chris Watt)

Research by the National Literacy Trust has shown that owning a book means children are more likely to say they enjoy reading and are more inclined to read in their free time.

It comes as 6.5% of children in the UK do not own a book, which equates to half a million children across the country, according to the National Literacy Trust.

Glasgow Times: Kids got to take a book home with themKids got to take a book home with them (Image: Chris Watt)

This research further claims the number rises to one in 10 children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Young Readers Programme initiative aims to give support and help with the development of children in underprivileged areas by giving them access to books.

Glasgow Times: Children were excited to hear the storiesChildren were excited to hear the stories (Image: Chris Watt)

Glasgow Times: The pupils enjoyed listening to storiesThe pupils enjoyed listening to stories (Image: Chris Watt)

Phil Goodman, centre director at Glasgow Fort, said: “Supporting our community is very important to us, so we’re incredibly proud of the Young Readers Programme and all the local children and families we’ve been able to support in the last 12 years.

“It’s always very rewarding to hear how the children are inspired by the stories and start to get excited about reading and bringing their own books home.”

Glasgow Times: Youngsters were quick to share their thoughts with each otherYoungsters were quick to share their thoughts with each other (Image: Chris Watt)

Martin Galway, Head of School Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, said: “The right book, at the right moment, can change a child’s life.

“That’s what the Young Readers Programme has been doing with British Land for the last 12 years – giving children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience enchanting storytelling events, and to choose books that speak to their interests and passions.

“Our goal is to spark a love of reading that will last them a lifetime, which in turn will empower them with the literacy skills they need to succeed.”