A project to boost literacy has seen pupils heading to Exmouth Library.

The library welcomed all pupils from Littleham Church of England Primary School as part of Libraries Unlimited's initiative to increase literacy.

For many of the children, this marked their first visit to a library.

The pupils were split into four groups and given a tour of the library, with explanations on finding books and participating in library events.

They were all allowed to join in quizzes and select books to take home.

The pupils also engaged in different activities based on their age, all centred around books and reading.

The reception class sang nursery rhymes, danced, listened to interactive stories, and coloured.

Years 1 and 2 had an ocean theme and played with words through poems, riddles, jokes, and tongue-twisters.

Years 3 and 4, and then Years 5 and 6, were read the first chapter of several books and asked to give their impressions and discuss whether they were interested in reading the rest of the story.

The Exmouth Library visit is part of the Littleham Project, initiated by Libraries Unlimited.

The charity, which manages 54 libraries across Devon and Torbay, aims to close the literacy gap by empowering parents and children and supporting teachers and practitioners with a unique initiative.

Littleham is the only neighbourhood out of 81 in East Devon that falls within the 20 per cent of most deprived areas in England.

According to Libraries Unlimited data, only 7.6 per cent of Littleham children currently visit Exmouth Library, compared to a Devon average of 20 per cent.

Headteacher Tom Paddon said: "At the beginning of the year, we set out with the target of ensuring every pupil could have a library card so they have books for life.

"Last Friday was the wonderful realisation of that becoming reality.

"Seeing our pupils excitedly take out such a selection of books was a real highlight.

"Thank you so much to Libraries Unlimited for funding our trip to the library and Beatrice and her team at Exmouth Library for being so accommodating.

"The children loved it."

Exmouth Library staff and the School Literacy Network, with support from Action for Children and HeadsUp, are focusing their efforts on Littleham Church of England Primary School.

With funding from Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, Libraries Unlimited is providing the school with a variety of sessions inspired by the charity's unique reading challenge, The Secret Book Quest.

These sessions are planned in collaboration with school staff, identifying key curriculum areas and engagement methods.

They aim to encourage five to 12-year-olds to join the library and participate in the Quest.

Sophie Crofts, Libraries Unlimited's reading development manager, said: "Reading for pleasure is so fundamental to a child’s chance of success in life.

"A library is more than books; it’s a community centre, a social gathering, a chance to meet people, to talk, relax and just be, a place to study, to learn new skills and make new friends.

"I’m delighted that we have been able to introduce the children of Littleham School to everything that their local library can offer, and hope that they continue to enjoy and benefit from it for many, many years."

The entire programme has been funded by the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, the Norman Family Trust, and the Gibbons Family Trust.