Ramsey Grammar School is to promote reading while raising money for a valuable cause.

On March 2, pupils and staff are inviting local people to join them in a 16-hour ’readathon’.

It will start in the school library in the west building at 7am and will continue until 11pm, moving into the south building (via the side entrance) at the end of the school day.

On a relay, students, staff and visiting friends will read aloud from a series of novels, short stories, plays and poems, while others offer support and take part in reading-related activities such as book reviews and reading games.

Pupils will also collect sponsorship so that a donation can be made to Read for Good, an organisation that helps to buy books for children on hospital wards.

There is more information about its work on its website.

Julie Owen, head of English, who is organising the event, said: ’We love to celebrate World Book Day at RGS, but this year wanted to do something a bit different.

’There are only so many times we can dress up as Harry Potter and The Cat In The Hat!

’When we heard about this Read for Good programme, we realised that we could raise awareness and funds for this great cause, helping to provide books for children who are ill and need to spend time in hospital.

’Our "readathon" is a chance to have some fun with actual books, and to leave the mobile devices in the cupboard. If anyone would like to support us, or take part in the event, then they can contact me at RGS for more information - and even a sponsorship form.’