YOUNG book lovers travelled to Oxford to take part in the UK finals of a children's literature quiz.

Bookworms from Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green did not let the forecast of heavy snow stop them taking part in the UK finals of the annual Kids’ Lit Quiz competition.

The avid readers, aged 11 and 12, had previously fought off strong competition from other Essex schools in the East of England heat.

Before the quiz the pupils enjoyed a specially arranged tour of Lincoln College, which counts Dr Seuss and John Le Carre as past students.

The pupils met Fast Show comedian and children’s author Charlie Higson at the finals.

The Bancroft's team finished seventh out of a field of 16 schools.

Kevin Gallagher, an English teacher at the school, said: “They did incredibly well to get to the finals and faced some very tough opposition, for example from Oxford High School who scored a record number of points in their heat.”

The event, held on November 30, is aimed at encouraging reading among children aged 10 to 13 and attracts entries from more than 300 schools.

Quizzes are also held in China, South Africa, Canada and New Zealand. Two years ago a Bancroft’s team represented the UK in South Africa and became the international champions.