THIRTEEN schools have signed up to help improve standards of literacy across the constituency.

Get Witham Reading 2021 is Priti Patels tenth annual school literacy campaign.

This years participants include Chipping Hill Primary School, Lakelands Primary School, Kelvedon St., Mary’s Primary Academy, Feering C of E Primary School, Rivenhall Primary School, Howbridge C of E Primary School, Tiptree Heath Primary School, St. Luke’s Primary School (Tiptree), Terling Primary School

Powers Hall Academy, Templars Academy, Silver End Academy, New Rickstones Academy.

The scheme is also supported by libraries in Silver End, Witham and Coggeshall.

Ms Patel said: "“It is amazing that Get Witham Reading is this year celebrating its tenth anniversary and I am delighted that so many schools are once again taking part.

"This literacy project for schools has always been one of my highest priorities as a Constituency MP.

"The great gift of reading is beyond price and I am delighted to be playing my part in passing it on to Witham’s schoolchildren."

All pupils taking part will receive a commemorative bookmark from Priti Patel as a memento.

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The campaign has also been backed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP.

Mr Johnson said: "I welcome the commitment of hard-working teachers in Witham to raising literacy standards and promoting a love of reading. Reading for pleasure brings a range of benefits.

“I commend the hard work of all the teachers in Witham and the wider Essex region and I hope this excellent event continues well into the future. “

Mr Williamson added: “I welcome this great initiative that builds on my department’s work to get more children and young people reading. I am grateful for the ongoing commitment and the hard work of teachers and head teachers in raising literacy standards and promoting a love of reading across Witham.

“I wish you every success with this event.”