TEACHERS at primary schools across Renfrewshire are in the midst of a book-reading bonanza as part of a prestigious UK-wide competition.

Pamela Gray and Jacqueline Haywood, of St Anthony’s Primary, Johnstone; Tracey Millar and Audrey Simpson, of Newmains Primary, Renfrew; and Craig Carson and Kayleigh Loughlin, of West Primary, Paisley, are working their way through 21 books that have been long-listed in the UK Literacy Association’s 2017 Book Awards.

They are among more than 50 teachers across Scotland invited to become part of the judging process for the awards – the only UK book competition to be decided entirely by teachers.

After-school meetings have been taking place since October to discuss the merits of the 21 books which are up for honours in the 7-11 years category.

Head teachers Lynn Ferguson, of West Primary, Jacqueline McBurnie, of St Anthony’s Primary, and Carol Cooke, of Newmains Primary, have also been providing input.

All three schools are members of the UKLA, which aims to promote a broader understanding of literacy and literature for children.

This is also the main focus of the Renfrewshire Literacy Approach – a ground-breaking partnership between Renfrewshire Council and the University of Strathclyde to improve reading standards and encourage a love of books from an early age.

The initiative, launched in September 2015, has seen more than 800 primary teachers, as well as staff from secondary schools, take part in a programme to enhance their knowledge in the teaching of reading.

Winning titles in all age categories of the 2017 Book Awards will be announced at the UKLA’s International Conference in Glasgow this summer.

Jess Anderson, UKLA Book Awards judging group leader for Renfrewshire, said: “There’s a real buzz about reading in Renfrewshire and having teachers judging this competition has added to that.

“Schools recognise the importance of reading for pleasure, with more and more teachers in Renfrewshire seeing the benefits of having a wider and more-up-to-date knowledge of children’s literature.

“Children get genuine choices in what they want to read and that lays the foundations for young people to become lifelong readers.

“They are reading the books too and that’s generating a lot of enthusiasm and chat between themselves, their teachers and their head teachers.”

Pamela describes being involved in the judging panel for the Book Awards as “a fantastic experience”.

She said: “We can see how good books have the power to make children really want to be involved in learning.”

Fellow judge Tracey added: “Getting through 21 books has been no hardship. I’ve loved every minute of reading them and it’s great to see the children so enthusiastic about what I’m reading.”

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, convener of Renfrewshire’s Education and Children Policy Board, said: “Renfrewshire Council is determined to give our children as many opportunities as possible for a bright and happy future and to help them learn their way out of poverty and deprivation.

“Encouraging a love of reading is the first vital step on that journey.

“The fact that Renfrewshire teachers are helping to judge this national children’s book competition is testament to our determination to succeed in changing lives.

“I’m delighted to see our teachers have been selected to take part in judging these awards and am very proud of their enthusiasm and dedication to play their part in giving our children the best possible start in life.”