Pupils have been given a “fantastic opportunity” to develop a passion for reading with a new scheme, a school has said.

Children in year seven and eight at the King Harold Academy in Waltham Abbey have all received a free book of their own choice under the Bookbuzz scheme.

The pupils got their books after the school signed up to the programme, which is aimed at encouraging reading for pleasure, independent choice and a better culture of reading and writing.

Literacy head Nicola Reece said: “These books are a fantastic opportunity to engage pupils in reading, which will ultimately help to develop and improve their progress across the school.

“Pupils have been asking about these books since we ordered them and their enthusiasm is amazing.

“We are so pleased with their response and hope this helps to feed and develop their enthusiasm for reading.”