MP launches World Book Day competition for local pupils

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has launched a World Book Day competition aimed at Year 5 pupils living or being educated in the Rochdale constituency. The competition encourages children to write about their favourite book and explain why they love it so much.

 

 

World Book Day promotes the joy of reading, as research shows that reading for pleasure is the strongest indicator of a child’s future happiness and success. However, recent figures reveal that only one in three children now say they enjoy reading, marking an all-time low.

Paul said: “This competition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate World Book Day, encourage reading, and reward students for their passion for literature.”

He expressed his gratitude to Chris Minogue and the team at Business in the Community’s ‘Rochdale Place Programme’ for their support, along with local businesses that have generously contributed prizes.

These include Rochdale-based businesspeople Gavin Reynolds from Alf Recruit, Louise Rothwell from I-Branded, and John Fitton from Office Supplies Now.

• Who can enter: Year 5 pupils living or educated in the Rochdale constituency.
• Task: Write a review of your favourite book.
• Deadline: 5pm on Friday 28 February 2025.
• Submission: Entries should be emailed to: paul.waugh.mp@parliament.uk with the subject line: [WORLD BOOK DAY COMPETITION]. The email should include the child’s full name and school name or home address. Handwritten entries can be scanned and submitted.

Prizes

• First place: A £30 book voucher, plus personalised gift sets, bookmarks, and pocket cushions from I-Branded.
• Two runners-up: Personalised gift sets, bookmarks, and pocket cushions from I-Branded.
• Winning school: Three collections of books worth £175, donated by Alf Recruit, and a £200 voucher for Office Supplies Now products.

The winner will be announced on World Book Day, 6 March 2025, with Waugh presenting the first-place prize in person.

“I’m looking forward to reading through all the wonderful entries,” said Waugh. “I hope this competition helps fuel our children’s excitement for reading, both in school and at home.”

For more information, parents and schools can contact the MP's office via email.

World Book Day is a charity dedicated to encouraging reading for fun, as it significantly impacts children's future success. However, enjoyment of reading is at an all-time low, with only one in three children reporting that they love reading. The charity aims to change this by making reading more entertaining, social, and accessible.