Patna Primary School has become the first school in East Ayrshire to become a Reading School. 

The accreditation programme, run by national charity Scottish Book Trust, helps schools to build reading cultures for their learners and communities.

Reading for pleasure is central in supporting equity and wellbeing, improving attainment across the curriculum, and boosting critical thinking, creativity, empathy and resilience.

Some 300 schools in Scotland have been accredited through the programme.

Patna Primary School has achieved the first level of Reading Schools accreditation, and is now working towards progressing to silver status.

A group of pupil Reading Guardians led the activities which helped them achieve their accreditation, which included creating cosy reading areas throughout the school and sharing book reviews.

Staff at the school began sharing book recommendations during staff meetings, and a library for parents and carers was created in the school lobby.

A thrilled Karen Murphy, depute head teacher at Patna Primary School, said: "We are delighted to have received our Reading Schools award.

"The Reading Guardians enthusiastically worked with the whole school to develop a variety of aspects of reading for pleasure.

"Pupils’ interest in reading has increased and there is an improved culture of talking about what we are reading."

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, added: "Achieving a Reading Schools accreditation is a momentous achievement.

"We are thrilled to see schools across Scotland reach the milestone and look forward to supporting more schools as they develop vibrant reading cultures."