Gosport headteacher commends reverend who completes reading task

As reported by The News, the Rev Sean Blackman, from Gosport, read 100 books in as many days to encourage people to start picking up books.

He said he was left ‘exhausted and thrilled’ by the end of it.

The 54-year-old dressed up as children’s book characters such as The Gruffalo, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Aslan from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe along the way and gave assemblies to children.

Sarah Duffy, headteacher at Grange Infant School, in Franklin Road, said children at her school took up a similar challenge over 10 days and helped students gain an enthusiasm for reading.

Mrs Duffy said: ‘As a school we work hard to develop a love of reading in all our children.

‘We recognise the importance of reading as a life skill for our pupils that unlocks so many doors for them now and in their future as successful adults.

‘A hundred books in a 100 days was a challenge we were happy to support.

‘Setting a challenge of 10 books in 10 days for our children, supported our “families reading every day” project and promoted sustained reading for our pupils.

‘Sean’s enthusiasm for reading inspired our school community to want to join in.

‘As a school, we were able to raise over £300 in sponsorship and we are looking forward to being able to add some new and exciting texts to our library.’