Schools across the county have reaped the riches of reading through their involvement with literacy initiatives Buster’s Book Club and Reading Bug.

10,700 pupils from 40 primary schools in Kent, Medway and Bexley have now doubled their Reading Millionaires Club achievements after accumulating an enormous 2,000,000 minutes of reading this academic year so far.

Vicki Lyden of The Canterbury Tales, said: “As as attraction based upon the appreciation of literature, we are delighted to be actively involved with a scheme that embraces the wonder of words. To reach such a huge sum is extremely positive and shows just how passionate both children and parents alike are about reading, even in an entirely digital age.”

Sarah-Jane Leipnik of Golding Homes, said: “We have many homes on our books based in deprived areas where literacy levels are noticeably lower. Schemes like Buster’s Book Club provide children in such environments with the opportunity to thrive and excel, progressing their skills and furthering them towards a brighter, more fruitful future.”

Young bookworms are now closer than ever to topping last year’s figure of 2,001,639 minutes before the summer break.

Buster’s Book Club and Reading Bug sets a reading target by year group and provides incentives for the children including prizes for star readers and a class of the week trophy.

Inter-school reading challenges reward 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 at the KM Charity Team which organises the schemes, said: “We are so very proud of our devoted young readers. To reach two million minutes is a tremendous achievement, and we think they’ll be a new record figure as the 2015/2016 school year concludes!”

Organisations championing Buster’s Book Club and Reading Bug include Specsavers, Kent County Council, Beanstalk, 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 your school, visit www.bustersbookclub.co.uk or contact Charlotte Hayes at chayes@thekmgroup.co.uk