A major business is encouraging youngsters across the county to become reading millionaires.

Specsavers Opticians are calling for schools to join Buster’s Book Club, the KM Charity Team’s reading initiative aimed at boosting child literacy levels and creating a whole generation of bookworms.

The scheme challenges pupils to reach their set home reading target and offers a variety of prizes and incentives to keep them focused on their goal.

They compete in inter-class and inter-school reading competitions culminating in an annual record attempt to earn their place in the Reading Millionaires’ Club.

Matt Trusty, Kent Regional Chairman at Specsavers, said: “Nothing is more important than supporting the next generation to develop their literacy skills. Last year, more than two million minutes of reading were recorded by participating children, and this year figures have already surpassed one million, so I’m confident that Buster’s Book Club will break all records in 2016.”

He added: “This is the second year Supersavers have been involved with the scheme, and seeing such exponential growth during that time period is fantastic. We hope more and more schools opt to take part in this worthwhile cause.”

Specsavers serve as a key partner of the literacy scheme, as well as many other initiatives and events organised by the KM Charity Team.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the charity, said: Thanks to businesses like Specsavers, we can further spread awareness of Buster’s Book Club; highlighting the scheme’s benefits and validity. It is not too late for schools to sign up to the service either, so please do get in contact if your pupils would like to join the Reading Millionaires’ Club!”

Other organisations championing Buster’s Book Club include Kent County Council, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Mini Babybel, Circle House Russet, Golding Homes, Leeds Castle, Medway Council and Orbit South.

For more information or to register, visit www.bustersbookclub.co.uk or contact Charlotte Hayes at chayes@thekmgroup.co.uk