Peterborough Reads and sustainable paper brand REY paper have delivered 885 resource packs to students in Years 5, 6 and 7 in Peterborough.

This summer-long initiative forms part of the efforts to support students as they transition from primary school to secondary school in the city.

Packs with a selection of activities, all the REY paper children could need, colouring pencils and a free Beano comic have been taken by 15 schools in Peterborough.

Accompanying each pack is the National Literacy Trust's summer writing challenge, Comics Rule! Children are being asked to design their own comic to improve their creative writing skills.

Peterborough schools can share students' comic book designs on Twitter, tagging @Literacy_Trust and #summerwritingchallenge.

All teaching materials and activity packs will also be available for teachers and students to download.

Sally Atkinson, manager of Peterborough Reads Hub, said: “We’re so thankful for REY paper for supporting the National Literacy Trust’s summertime initiative here in Peterborough. We know these type of projects can help to the transition of children going from primary to secondary education.

“The National Literacy Trust’s recent writing research showed a quarter (23%) of children who write in their free time at least once a month do so because it makes them feel happy or more confident. Writing has a proven link to children’s wellbeing and there couldn’t be a more important time to support the health of our children and young people.

“I’ll be keeping an eye out for the fabulous comic book designs created by Peterborough children who receive the packs. For parents and families looking for summer activities, everyone is able to enjoy this brilliant activity online.”

Mike Stirling, editorial director at Beano Studios added: “Access to comics encourages children to enjoy reading for fun. It’s hugely satisfying to watch a reader navigate a comic for the first time - the story leaps off the page, straight into their imagination.

“Many teachers use Beano and our free Beano for Schools resources as their secret weapon and we’re very proud to support this amazing initiative.

“At a time when children are facing such challenges to their learning, teachers often tell us how beneficial it is for children to just enjoy a bit of Beano silliness, creativity and reading and writing for the fun of it.”

The Words for Life activity page can be accessed here.