'Golden ticket' winners join Willy Wonka for red carpet opening of new library at Burnley primary school

Willy Wonka, from Roald Dahl's classic children's novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was joned by 12 'golden ticket' winners and their parents to cut the ribbon for the official opening of the library at Cherry Fold Community Primary School.

Also at the VIP opening were governors, librarians, and two pupils who have read over a million words between them in the last six months.

School librarians had met with governors previously to convince them that they needed a new purposeful reading environment in school to ignite and nurture a passion for reading in students.

Librarian Anna Kimak said: "Our children are passionate about reading and wanted an environment to support the large number of children who enjoy sharing stories and entering a world of imagination.

"Our aim is for all children to be inspired to read for enjoyment and develop a lifelong passion for reading.

“I am excited to discover new authors in our fantastic new library, I just wish that I could transport it home with me!”

Nicola Martin, Lancashire Senior Consultant for Primary English and Literacy, added: “Reading has always

been a priority at Cherry Fold.

"When I visit the school I am always highly impressed the children’s attitudes and passion for reading and most recently their obsession with new vocabulary.

Reading Champion Lindsey Hyer said she felt the new library was an' empowering and vibrant place' for children

to develop their reading skills and it will soon become the hub of the school.