Young pupils across the county have reaped the record-breaking riches of reading through their school’s involvement with literacy initiatives Buster’s Book Club and Reading Bug.

11,000 children from 40 primary schools in Kent, Medway and Bexley were set the task of reading a collective one million minutes at the beginning of the 2015-2016 academic year.

This target has been well and truly smashed as the devoted bookworms have clocked up an enormous 2,864,519 home reading minutes – the largest figure on record to date after trouncing last year’s total by over 800,000.

Schools and students were invited to Leeds Castle to unveil the year’s success and were cheered on by representatives from 3Rs teacher recruitment, Whitefriars Canterbury, Orbit, Kent County Council, Ashford Borough Council and Bexley Council.

Emma Owen of 3Rs, said: “We are so incredibly proud of the children’s efforts with their home reading this year, and the record-breaking figure is proof of just how important and successful campaigns like Buster’s Book Club and Reading Bug are. They encourage pupils to read and to develop their reading skills outside of the classroom, which only benefits them more when inside.”

Devised by the KM Charity Team, Buster’s Book Club and Reading Bug set a reading target by year group and provide incentives for the children including prizes for star readers and a class of the week trophy.

Inter-school reading challenges reward the best or most improved classes with prizes including storyteller visits, hampers of books, and tickets to Kent attractions Leeds Castle and Silver Blades ice rink.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team was quick to champion the millionaire readers. “To beat a target is impressive, but to nearly treble it is absolutely amazing. Our schemes strive to inspire young people into regular reading as good reading, writing, listening and speaking skills are simply fundamental to a successful future. Our millionaires are well on their way to big, special things,” he said.

Other organisations backing the home reading schemes include Specsavers, Countrystyle Recycling, Beanstalk, Mini Babybel, Circle House Russet, Golding Homes, Medway Council and Wildwood Trust.

Schools looking to get involved with the Buster’s Book Club or Reading Bug initiatives are able to sign up now ahead of the 2016-2017 academic year. For more information, visit the website or contact the KM Charity Team on 0844 264 0291