CHILDREN have proved to be dedicated bookworms after taking part in a readathon.

Year Seven and Year Eight pupils at Farnworth's Harper Green School spent a week reading as many books as possible in the sponsored event which raised £1,276 for the Roald Dahl Foundation and Sargent Cancer Care.

Both charities raise money to help young people with leukaemia, epilepsy, head injuries and other illnesses as well as providing families with respite care.

Teacher Paula Holmes, who organised the event which was part of a national initiative, said: "It is a fantastic way of getting our pupils to consider other children who are less fortunate than themselves and is one of a number of initiatives at Harper Green aimed at getting our pupils reading for life and improving their literacy skills." GET READY: Pupils from Harper Green School, Farnworth, from left (back row) Kayleigh Orrell, aged 13; Laura Edwards, aged 13; Paula Holmes, organiser and key stage three English co-ordinator, Scott Mitchell, aged 12 and Rajen Parmar, aged 11. Front row, Samantha Robinson, aged 11; Alan Wallbank, aged 11; Stephanie Coombes, aged 12 and Daryl Higgins, aged 12 TAX RISE IS GOOD NEWS, SAYS COUNCIL LEADER: SEE P13