A TEACHER at a Flintshire high school has praised the efforts of students and the local community in helping to refresh the reading material in the library.

Jemma Defries, head of English at Flint High, initiated the book drive in October to update the library stock and inspire students to read more.

She appealed to the local community to help with the project and organised a drop off point in the Jade Jones Pavilion for donations of books.

News of the appeal quickly spread and local libraries, including Mancot Library, donated hundreds of current books. Local company, ASH Group Ltd. in Bretton, gave a £250 donation, and Ysgol Maes Hyfryd joined the quest by donating a trailer full of high quality books.

A sponsored read was also held in school for years 7 to 9 which raised over £300 and, as part of their reward, Nicola Paulson, literacy co-ordinator and English teacher, took ten of the students to Waterstones to buy books that they would like to see in the library. They then went to Storyhouse for hot chocolate and some quiet reading time.

Miss Defries said: “Our new book drive has exceeded all our expectations. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the community of Flint and surrounding areas and we are so grateful for every book we have received. Our students even scoured charity shops for good quality fiction to donate.

“The difference the new books have already made is amazing. Students have noticed and feel enthused and excited by the plethora of new texts available. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported this very worthy cause.

Ann Blakesley, the school’s librarian, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our community for their generous donations to our library. Having such a variety of reading material has already motivated our students to read more.”

Jim Connelly, headteacher, added: “We are very grateful for the donations received into the school and would like to extend our appreciation to all who have been involved in helping us to expand our library. “Continuing to develop the literacy skills at the school is really important to us, and a library that is exciting and engaging is absolutely crucial to us achieving this.”