LITTLE bookworms now have the chance to net tickets to see their favourite football team in action...in return for reading lots of stories.

Youngsters across Renfrewshire can earn matchday tickets to see St Mirren thanks to the launch of a pioneering literacy project.

Run by the SPFL Trust in conjunction with the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) and Scottish Book Trust, the 442 Reading Challenge aims to encourage kids to discover the joy of reading.

Children at local schools have been given a challenge card and, for every four books they read, they will be offered a free matchday ticket.

The Gazette: Nicky Reid (left) and Cody Cooke and (l-r) Sophie McGinley, Abigail Leitch, Millie Hunter and Lucy McDonald below Nicky Reid (left) and Cody Cooke and (l-r) Sophie McGinley, Abigail Leitch, Millie Hunter and Lucy McDonald below

They will also receive a discounted ticket for one adult.

The challenge was launched at Thorn Primary, in Johnstone, last week, with St Mirren striker Cody Cooke and club mascot Paisley Panda on hand to offer support.

Headteacher Stephanie Hart told The Gazette: “We are excited to be part of the 442 Reading Challenge with our community partners St Mirren FC and the SPFL Trust.

“We welcome any opportunity to promote reading and I believe this will help to encourage all children in our school to read but will particularly reach out to reluctant readers who may enjoy the association with football.”

In the first year of the project, more than 200 libraries were involved, across 11 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities.

There were also more than 20,000 pupils taking part, across 87 schools, with 4,784 books being issued and 330 match tickets allocated.

The Gazette: Nicky Reid (right) and the Paisley Panda greet children at Thorn Primary Nicky Reid (right) and the Paisley Panda greet children at Thorn Primary

St Mirren are one of 14 clubs participating in the challenge across Scotland, with the likes of Dundee United and Ross County also taking part.

Nicky Reid, SPFL Trust chief executive, said: “The challenge is designed to encourage children who don’t regularly visit the library or attend sport to do so.

“We think it’s a real win-win opportunity for all.”

Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, added: “It’s encouraging to see so many children benefitting from the 442 Reading Challenge.”

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