RUGBY players are helping children nurture a love for books.

Widnes Vikings have teamed up with St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in Ditton to back a new Why We Read initiative.

First team players, as role models , will be sharing the benefits of reading and some of the favourite books they enjoyed as children.

It is part of the School Sport Partnership which sees schools use part of their sports premium funding to gain quality coaching and provide special experiences for pupils.

The school has already worked with the Vikings through the Sky Try programme, which helps introduces children to rugby league, and Game Changer, a pioneering programme that promotes healthy living and physical fitness to children.

Liam Clark, head of education at Vikings Sports Foundation, said: “We have had some fantastic experience in our four year partnership with St Michael’s.

“By working together we have able to creatively promote physical health, literacy and life skills to the children.

“This new partnership helps take that success even further.

“The Vikings are excited to have this opportunity to further develop our relationship with the staff and children.”

Headteacher Paul Loughran said: “We are delighted to be furthering our partnership with Widnes Vikings as part of our continued commitment to our children’s health and wellbeing.”

“We strive to offer a broad, varied and challenging curriculum alongside a wide variety of extra-curricular activities enabling all of our pupils to receive an excellent school experience.”

“Our children and staff are excited to be working with the Vikings on this innovative partnership and we look forward seeing both our children develop their life skills whilst working with this professional organisation.”