World Book Day on March 6 will be greeted with new enthusiasm by pupils at Northdown Primary Academy.

The Margate school received a visit from Buster the Bug last week, mascot of the KM Charity Team which has just launched a pilot literacy scheme called Buster’s Book Club.

It aims to increase reading and literacy skills among Northdown pupils by setting targets for how many minutes each pupil should aim to read at home. This can include reading to themselves, being read to by a parent, or even listening to audio books.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, said: “Each class takes a hands-up survey of how many pupils have reached their target, and they then receive a sticker. “Additionally, the most enthusiastic participants fill in a bookmark telling us how many extra minutes they have clocked up on top of their target, which is verified by a parent’s signature. At the end of the week, the winning class is celebrated in assembly with the presentation of a giant certificate.”

Northdown is the only Thanet school currently trialling Buster’s Book Club; other schools involved in the pilot are in Maidstone, Dartford and Gravesham. it is being funded by Kent County Council, Orbit South, Golding Homes, Leeds Castle and the Thistle Hotel at Brands Hatch.

To register your own school’s interest in Buster’s Book Club, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk and click on the ‘Schools’ heading.