Bookworms at a York school have claimed national recognition.

Fulford School has been awarded second prize in the National Literacy Trust’s School of the Year competition for participation in the Reading Champions programme.

Each year, Reading Champions rewards the primary and secondary schools which have effectively got more of their boys enjoying reading.

Fulford School claimed the silver prize for its work in setting up a book club, and encouraging its pupils to take part in weekly meetings, with regular reading activities such as book bingo, book beetle, and TV-themed quizzes such as Who Wants To Be A Book Millionaire, and Book Deal Or No Deal.

Rowena White, resource centre manager for Fulford School, who led the programme, said: “Reading Champions is a national programme aimed at getting boys to read, but here at Fulford we didn’t exclude the girls and lots of pupils have been involved and we are thrilled that our students are using Reading Champions to put the fun back into reading. It is a way to show that having an interest in books needn’t be embarrassing and to reward those who take part with prizes and competitions.”