Padiham pupils among first in country to receive bundle of books to help them learn about people from different races

The selection of books aimed at educating youngsters about race came from the charity, Reading For Change.

And Padiham Primary is among one of the first of 73 schools in the country to receive the book bundle worth £262.

Teacher Miss Cross, who got in touch with the charity to apply for the books, said: "The children were so excited to see what the special delivery was.

"They couldn’t wait to get reading and thought the books were wonderful.

"We feel very lucky to be in the first group of schools nationwide to be sent the books and we now have over 40 books in school for the children to read from reception all the way to year six.

"There is a fund raising page and hopefully they will be able to reach more schools in the North West if we spread the word and donate."

The school was so delighted to receive the books they made a special 'thank you' video for the charity.

Reading for Change was set up by Scott Emmons after he discovered that only one per cent of books that were pubished last year had a lead character from an ethnic minority group.

Realising there was a great need for books to help children learn about race, but a lack of funding for them, he set up the charity that has raised £18,650 towards his £20,000 goal.

With the help of a teacher friend, Scott collated an example bundle of books for primary schools which, in the past two months, has been fine-tuned and, with the help of distributors, doubled in size.