A TEAM of avid readers from Saundersfoot CP School have claimed a duo of successes in the Welsh Books Council's annual reading competition for children.

They gained the accolade for best presentation in the national BookSlam event, as well as coming an overall second in the entire contest.

Hundreds of pupils from 15 primary schools throughout Wales took part in the national championships which were held recently at Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

Their task was to impress the judges in two rounds - a 10-minute discussion and an eight-minute dramatic presentation based on their chosen books.

The Saundersfoot team - all year 5 pupils who volunteered to use their free time to take part in BookSlam - won through to the national final from the regional round of the competition, held in the Archives, Haverfordwest.

Their teacher, Lisa Cook, explained that the team had to choose two books from a list to prepare their debate and presentation.

She said: "The girls completely wrote their own script and had very little assistance from me.

"They gave up their lunch hours and thoroughly loved the whole experience, as they are avid readers and love drama.

"As their teacher, I am immensely proud of the girls.

"Their commitment and enthusiasm for this project, with their obvious love of reading, was a credit to them, and it was a pleasure to be a part of their fantastic success."

During the day's activities at the final, children and teachers enjoyed a presentation by author Dan Anthony.

The adjudicators for the event were Meinir Wyn Edwards for the discussions and Eloise Williams for the presentations.