Youngsters performed readings in front of a best-selling author last week.

Year 6 pupils from Daiglen School in Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, took to the stage on Thursday (June 18) as part of their annual Reading and Poetry Cup Competition.

Each of the 10 to 11-year-olds recited a poem by heart, followed by a reading from various modern and classic texts in front of ‘Kingdom of Gems’ trilogy author, Jasper Cooper.

Faaiz Haidar won the poetry competition with his entry ‘Call Me Harley,’ by Colin McNaughton and Sasha Swords claimed the Reading Cup with her humorous take on ‘The Lottie Project’ by Jacqueline Wilson.  

Both children were awarded with signed original art work donated by Mr Cooper and will perform at the annual Daiglen Speech Day.

Mr Cooper said: "This was an inspiration for me, the standard was remarkably high.

"The children rose to the challenge and showed many skills and qualities in their readings.

"I felt it was a wonderful event and made a very healthy contribution to their character development.

"Well done to all of them."