AN AUTHOR from Selby is setting up the town’s first Children’s Reading Festival.

Christina Gabbitas has been granted thousands of pounds to set up the event, which will run in March at Selby Abbey, with free books given to visiting children.

Christina said she was surprised to discover that out of more than 350 literature festivals around the country, fewer than 10 per cent were dedicated to children, and she wanted to change that.

“The children’s section of current literature festivals seems to be a bit of an afterthought or add-on, with less time and importance than adult events.

“I want to take children’s reading festivals into towns and areas, to give children from all backgrounds an equal opportunity of attending a book-related event, and it is my intention to take the festivals into different areas and regions of England.”

The festival will run between March 23 and 25, with a family day on the Saturday, and more than 3,000 children from 10 schools expected to visit.

Christina said she was still looking for funding from local organisations to fund more books to be given to visiting children, and all families with a Selby district postcode will be able to attend free of charge on the Saturday.

Cllr Mark Crane, leader of Selby District Council, said: “I’m proud to be supporting the first Selby Children’s Reading Festival. The event presents a wonderful opportunity for youngsters in the town. Reading is an essential life skill so it’s important that we make the activity more widely accessible to all children in Selby.

“The festival will help inspire and encourage more children in Selby to read.Please help support this wonderful festival so that it can grow to become an annual fixture in the Selby events calendar.”

Details will be available soon at childrensreadingfestivals.com