Groups of pupils who champion reading and writing in primary schools can earn the title of Literacy Stars.

The initiative was given a double launch this week with a guidance document for schools unveiled at the Canterbury Tales visitor attraction in east Kent, and the King’s Hill, West Malling offices of social landlord Circle Housing.

School Councils at 50 primary schools using the KM Charity Team’s home reading initiative Buster’s Book Club and new Reading Bug initiatives will be able to use the Literacy Stars programme to enhance reading, writing, speaking and listening skills within school.

Pupils will have the choice to take the lead on a variety of projects including creating a newsletter to promote book week, staging a public speaking competition, organising a short drama or making a presentation to parents. The best examples will earn the pupils the limited edition Literacy Stars t-shirt.

Bethany Taylor, education officer at the Canterbury Tales said: “We think it is really important to get local children reading and to get them involved with literacy in a fun and engaging way.”

“Drama is really useful in promoting literacy skills because to get on a stage you have to have learnt some lines and put together a script and one of the activities in the Literacy Stars pack is to put on a piece of drama, so we are very pleased and believe this is an excellent way for children to get excited about literacy.”

The best project delivered through the Literacy Stars programme will earn the pupils an educational experience tour at the Canterbury Tales visitor attraction.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team said: “Enlisting School Councils through the Literacy Stars initiative adds an extra element of engagement to support schools with home reading. It is a great addition to the support we provide primary schools.”

Circle Housing Russet in Tonbridge and Malling manage 7,000 properties in the district and have teamed up with the KM Charity Team to support the charity’s literacy and walk to school work in 10 schools in the area.

Marilyn Smith, sustainable communities manager at Circle Housing Russet, said: “We’re backing this initiative as Circle Housing is committed to supporting happy and healthy local communities.”

To find out more about Literacy Stars or the companion home reading initiatives of Buster’s Book Club and Reading Bug, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk and click on the 'schools' tab.