Students from a Witham academy are being encouraged to get more involved in their community by taking an interest in its news.

Maltings Academy hosted its very first newspaper reading event within the library on Wednesday, June 6.

Copies of the Braintree and Witham Times were distributed amongst the youngsters, who explored all sections of the paper as a group.

Out of the 30 year seven, eight and nine pupils who attended, only five had read The Times in print before.

Witham Town Councillor Angela Kilmartin has been instrumental in organising the new fortnightly event.

She said: "We looked at front and back pages with students taking turns to read paragraphs and headings.

"We covered general news, sub news like stolen beehives, holiday adverts, historical items on Witham, classifieds, sports and health news.

"Students answered questions on all manner of associated subjects and the hour flew by."

The school is looking to increase engagement with the Witham community and hopes inspiring students to take an interest in their town can benefit both parties.

Mrs Kilmartin, who is also a district councillor, said: "All of the students kept on track with consistent concentration, following items at all times."