Avanti West Coast has donated hundreds of books to schools across its network as part of World Book Day

The rail operator worked alongside children’s book company Little Box of Books to deliver a diverse and inclusive range of books for school children to enjoy.

Working alongside businesses, LIttle Box of Books has launched a campaign that aims to give all children the chance to become a reader. The books provided have been specially selected to be representative enabling children to find more of themselves in the stories and supporting a better understanding of the world and their place within it.

11 Schools that are on the route of the West Coast Main Line saw boxes with 100 storybooks were delivered for World Book Day, including Lancaster, Runcorn, Manchester, Crewe, Liverpool, Macclesfield, Stockport and Penrith.

Avanti West Coast has supported the enterprise as part of their broader strategy which focuses on engaging children and young people about careers in rail, part of which includes a school engagement programme.

Helen Diksa, Executive Director of Human Resources, at Avanti West Coast, said: “We are really proud to be supporting Little Box of Books to help children discover the delights of reading, as it is so important to pick up a book at an early age.

“At Avanti West Coast one of our aims is to connect young people with opportunity which is why we got involved in this fabulous initiative.”

Founder and Director of Little Box of Books, Lynsey Pollard, said: “Reading is the most crucial skill for all children. Little Box of Books is on a mission to get more inclusive books into as many primary schools as we can and we’re so grateful for Avanti West Coast’s support.

“The books we feature reflect the society we live in, in all its multicultural and diverse brilliance, because everyone deserves to see themselves in a leading role.”