HUNDREDS of Kenyan children are discovering the joy of reading thanks to donations from primary school pupils and parents.

More than 800 children's books were sent to Kenya thanks to an appeal by Wincham Community Primary School when it discovered its partner school, Njoro DEB, had barely any books for its 1,400 pupils.

Wincham teachers Richard Babington and Mark Sykes also visited Njoro DEB to help decorate and prepare a room to be used as a library as part of Wincham's Kitabu Book Project and delivered a series of lessons based on Julia Donaldson's classic children's book The Gruffalo.

Unfortunately the pair did not see the books arrive from Wincham as they were delayed for several weeks in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.

"Going to Kenya was an incredible experience but it was a real shame not to see the children’s faces when the books arrived," said Year Five teacher Mr Babington.

"It’s fantastic that they have got there now and I’m sure they will make a big difference to the school."

Headteacher Diane Palin said: "This partnership has had an enormous impact on the teaching and learning in both schools and we are delighted that this project has been such a great success."

Njoro DEB deputy headteacher Madame Roba, who made a return visit to Wincham, said: "The children were very excited to receive the books.

"Their parents have come into school to say thank you and they would like to see the people behind the donations."

The Wincham-Njoro partnership has been running for six years.

It has previously helped to provide clean water at the Kenyan school.