A SCHOOL has been tasked with reading five million words today to win a new set of 500 books for its library.

Wood Green School in Witney has been challenged by a local company to celebrate World Book Day 2016.

Barney Jenkins, of Softlink, said about 1,000 pupils and 74 teachers had to read about 5,000 words each during the day in order to reach the target and be rewarded with a new set of books.

The sales manager at the Witney library software firm said: "They can read books to help them learn more about their subject, so maybe a sports biography or a geography book.

"We have also sorted out a box of little prizes – such as teddies, pens and highlighters – which teachers can distribute throughout the day to keep students motivated."

During the day each student will have 20 minutes per lesson to read, with five lessons each lasting an hour per day.

World Book Day is held each year across the globe to help promote reading to children in a fun and imaginative way.

Wood Green School, based in Woodstock Road, has about 1,000 pupils aged 11 to 18 who will all be taking part in the event.

Librarian at Wood Green School Val Donoghue said: "This year we are really excited about the five million word challenge.

"We are really lucky to have a fantastic library which is very heavily used by students from all year groups."