GALLERY: Haydonleigh Primary Schools unveils brand new Reading Bus for students

Yesterday Paddington Bear lent a furry hand by unveiling Haydonleigh Primary School's brand new Reading Bus.

With the expansion of Haydonleigh Primary School four years ago, the school set out to increase the size of its library.

The former Thamesdown bus was purchased by the school's PTA team last year and since April has been converted into the school's new library. During this time the school has received voluntary support from parents to renovate the bus and a grant for books to go in the library.

Teaching Assistant, and PTA organiser, Lisa Fry said: "Our previous library was really small and we were thinking about putting it in our theatre, but then I read about the Reading Bus in a magazine and thought it was such a great idea. Every class will have a reading slot each week - they all have library cards which they can tap in to take books out.

"The whole idea is that we want to make reading fun - the children have been really excited to go on the bus. Hopefully it'll inspire the children to read more."

The unveiling of the bus was intended to coincide with World Book Day, but was postponed due to weather conditions. Yesterday the school's students, and staff, recreated the event dressed up as book characters. The event was also attended by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson who presented the school with a £300 voucher on behalf of WHSmith.

He said: "I'm really excited about this innovative initiative to encourage children to enjoy reading. I have no doubt it's going to be very well used."