Irene and Ray’s parliamentary adventure

Ray Stearn at the Palace of Westminster

Irene Peachey and Ray Stearn were invited to a parliamentary reception in the Churchill Room in the Palace of Westminster.

The Houses of Parliament reception was hosted by the Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP on behalf of the magical Booktrust. There were guest speakers including families, children and practitioners to guide Irene and Ray on their literary journey.

Irene and Ray were invited to the exclusive event on Tuesday 15 July due to their work in bringing the Bookstart Bear programme to libraries across the borough.

Young Person’s Library Worker, Ray Stearn described the event as “eye-opening” and said: “It was a wonderful event and Irene and I feel very privileged to have been invited.

"It is fantastic to get recognition for the work we do from people outside of the borough.

"We are dedicated and committed to improving the services Rochdale Borough Libraries has to offer.”

Rochdale Borough Libraries works in partnership with Booktrust along with schools and children’s centres throughout the country to work together to reach every child and to instil a love of reading in them.