A LITERARY feast in Blackbird Leys Park tomorrow will see youngsters from all backgrounds unite to share their love of reading.

Following a successful trial run last year in which 600 schoolchildren took part, the 'Readathon' event will return with up to 1,000 involved.

Pupils from Years 1 to 5 from the estate's Windale, Pegasus and Orchard Meadow primary schools will be paired with older students from St Edward's, Oxford High and Cherwell Schools to discuss their favourite books, read poetry they have written themselves and enjoy a dance activity organised by Year 10.

Kathy Hodder-Williams, early reading leader at Pegasus Primary School, said: "It will be the same format as before, but with a different poet and little ones coming as well.

"The aim is for the Year 10s to have a chance to lead groups and meet a range of children from different backgrounds, and for our children to share their love of books."

On the day the group will also be treated to a dramatic rendition from Paul Lyalls, a London-based writer and former poet in residence at the Roald Dahl Museum.

Last year the event dissolved into creative chaos when the heavens opened, and schools and teachers alike danced under tarpaulins while hiding from torrential rain.

Jill Hudson, executive head of the primary schools' governing body the Blackbird Academy Trust, first came up with the idea – also dubbed Readers Make Leaders – along with The Rev Tom Shaw, the chaplain at St Edward's School.

She said last year: "We have got brilliant and passionate readers in our schools and wanted to celebrate that."

As well as 300 books donated by Blackwell's Bookshop up for grabs, each of the primary school pupils will leave with a well-loved book of their own to take home.

Mr Shaw added: "The Year 10 pupils have each purchased their favourite children’s book to give as a gift to their primary school partner.

"They will spend time on Friday morning explaining to the younger children why they love the book and encouraging them to delve in and discover it for themselves.

"To break the ice, our Sixth Formers have created a simple dance routine to get everyone up on their feet, jumping about together and having a great deal of fun."