PUPILS and teachers at St Nicolas Primary School in Abingdon unveiled their new library with the help of children’s author David Melling.

Mr Melling also judged an ‘Extreme Reading’ competition at the Boxhill Walk school.

Pupils were asked to submit photographs of themselves reading in unusual places. Among the entries were pictures of children reading at the top of the London Eye, in rivers and in the shower. Headteacher Dick Furniss said: “This new library is a great resource for our pupils and it has been great to see them so enthusiastic about books.”

“It’s also nice to be celebrating the opening of a new library when so many are under threat of closure.”

Oxfordshire County Council plans to stop funding 20 of the county’s 43 libraries as part of its efforts to save £119m over the next four years.

Mr Furniss added: “The new books and colourful furnishings make for an inviting environment for the children to enjoy books.

“Much of the refurbishment was paid for by the St Nicolas School Association, who raise funds across the year through a variety of events.

“We’re extremely thankful to them for their support.”

Mr Melling is an Oxford-born author and illustrator whose books include The Tale of Jack Frost.