Children’s author Nick Butterworth will donate a signed copy of one of his books to support the latest KM Charity Team challenge.

Schools in the Canterbury district helping to make the county cleaner and greener or those taking part in the popular reading scheme Busters Book Club have the chance to win a storytelling visit from the Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr George Metcalfe.

The primary school or special school class that is top or most improved with their reading or top or most improved for green travel will win a visit to their school from the city’s civic leader. The Lord Mayor will read Trixie the Witch’s Cat by Nick Butterworth to the school – and following the author’s offer of support, also present a signed copy of the book.

To be in with a chance of winning this special challenge, participating children must walk to school or read with a parent on Wednesday 8 February.

Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr George Metcalfe will read Trixie the Witch’s Cat.

Nick Butterworth said: “I’m delighted to see initiatives taken to further children’s literacy and in particular the sharing of books and stories. Time spent reading with children promotes literacy in the most enjoyable way – the unconscious development of vocabulary, the easy learning of language skills and the infectious desire to read for themselves. And, as if all this is not enough, there’s even more – an important bit more – because every minute spent sharing in this way builds and reinforces family relationships.”

Simon Dolby from Buster’s Book Club, said: “We were delighted to receive a call from Nick offering his support of our Lord Mayor’s Challenge. It is very generous of him to offer a signed copy of his book to the school that wins the challenge. I have no doubt this will generate considerable extra interest within schools in the county and help us encourage more schools to join the initiative.”

Mr Butterworth has agreed to become a Kent Literacy Ambassador for the KM Charity Team and will help promote its reading campaign across the region.

Currently 60,000 children across the county are using Walk to School Super WOW or home reading initiative Buster’s Book Club.

KM Group editors have named 2017 as the KM Year of Reading and Buster’s Book Club will be one of the flagship elements of the campaign.

The initiatives are supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council, Kent Libraries, 3Rs teacher recruitment, Kent Reliance, Specsavers, Bel UK, Orbit housing association, Golding Homes, Eurostar, Volker Highways, Countrystyle Recycling, Gallaghers Aggregates, Whitefriars.