SCORES of children gathered at Blackburn Cathedral to take part in a reading festival.

Hundreds of school pupils from Blackburn's primary schools visited the cathedral's 'schools fest' to enjoy an interactive reading sessions.

Children's authors sat down with youngsters and read them a short story and get them enthusiastic about sitting down with a book.

The event is one of several across the week, with a pop-up shop day taking place at The Mall and across Blackburn with Darwen's libraries and Blackburn market where authors will read to young people.

On Saturday youngsters are invited back to the cathedral with their parents for a family community day.

Author Christina Gabbitas, who organised the festival, said it was important to encourage children to read.

She said: "The children's book market has increased in recent years which shows parents are reading to their children and are encouraging to read.

"However we want to keep this up and get reading embedded at a young age so they can continue to do so when they are older.

"With failing literacy levels and England being ranked bottom of the table in the developed world for 16-17 year olds, I think we should be concentrating on children in early years and primary to instil interest, intrigue and a love of books.

"Reading is a fantastic part of childhood that helps us use our creative minds and helps us develop stronger literacy skills.

"The six authors at the festival are fantastic and have sat down with the children to read books with them in little groups.

"There are 350 literary festivals across the UK but as little as 10 per cent are dedicated to children."

A pre festival event was held on Tuesday night at Cafe Northcote for people to get the chance to meet the authors before the festival began.

Christina, originally from Blackburn, said: "We hope lots of families can come down to the cathedral on Saturday from 10am and enjoy reading together.

"We've had a successful start and I know it will continue."