WIDNES pupils have started the new school year with a special gift.

Children at Hale C of E Primary School have received a range of new books for their reading area.

The books were donated by Mersey Boroughs Initial teacher training partnership, which provides a course to train primary school teachers on the job.

Marianne Mowatt, head teacher of Hale C of E Primary, said: “It’s a real treat that we have had all these new books donated to school.

“The children will really enjoy reading and using the books in their lessons.

“Trainee teachers from Mersey Boroughs working in our school will also be able to use the books when planning and delivering their lessons."

Mersey Boroughs staff delivered books to all their partner schools as part of its commitment to enhancing the training and learning opportunities for trainees and pupils in their classes.

Anyone wishing to train to become a primary school teacher through this school-led training can contact partnership manager Gill Makin on 0151 443 2663 or e-mail merseyboroughsitt@knowsley.gov.uk.

Visit merseyboroughsitt.org.uk for further information.