Pupils from three Southampton schools have been celebrated for their "talent" and "passion" shown in a national reading competition.

Literature lovers from Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Mansel Park Primary and Nursery School, and Sinclair Primary and Nursery School took part.

The National Reading Champions Quiz, hosted by the National Literacy Trust, pitted these schools against others across the southeast, including Surrey, Kent, and Sussex, against each other.

Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur commended the participants, saying: "I have the absolute privilege of meeting and hearing about the achievements of so many talented young people of all ages across our city.

"Whether in schools, at community events, or in Parliament, I always want to champion the incredible potential of our children and encourage them to aim high."

The competition featured quick-fire questions, anagram challenges, and true/false rounds, with Year 5 and Year 6 students demonstrating their dedication to reading.

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Executive headteacher and co-headteacher of Mansel Park, Gerida Montague, and Paul Lodge said: "Participating in the National Reading Champions Quiz was an incredible experience for our pupils.

"We are immensely proud of their hard work, enthusiasm, and the sportsmanship they displayed.

"Reading is a vital skill, and seeing our students engage with literature so passionately is truly rewarding.

"We are also grateful to the National Literacy Trust for organising such a fantastic event that inspires a love of reading among young learners."

The government has recently implemented several measures to encourage reading for pleasure, including the English Hubs programme which supports phonics teaching, early language development, and reading for pleasure.

An additional £23 million has been pledged for the 2024/25 academic year to continue this work.

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Ms Kaur added: "Reading is a gateway to opportunity – it expands minds, fuels creativity, and builds confidence.

"Seeing our young people take on challenges like this with such enthusiasm makes me incredibly proud.

"I will always champion opportunities that inspire children to dream big and achieve their full potential."

She also expressed her gratitude to Southampton for what it gave her as a child from the inner city on free school meals, and her commitment to ensuring the same support for the new generation.