A PROFESSIONAL storyteller paid a visit to Hook Junior School as a part of National Storytelling Week.

Housebuilder Barratt Homes set up the event featuring professional storyteller Andy Copps giving an afternoon of tales due to the school’s proximity to the developer’s Oakwood Grange site.

Set up in 2000 by The Society for Storytelling, National Storytelling Week has been used to increase public awareness of the art, practice and value of storytelling.

Sales director for Barratt Homes Southern Counties, Lynnette St-Quintin, said: “We were happy to support National Storytelling Week again this year.

“As part of our ongoing Education Programme, we actively promote learning experiences such as these and were delighted to arrange Andy’s visit to the school.

“Family is at the heart of our new development at Oakwood Grange, so we hope the campaign will help pupils to foster a love for storytelling, reading and creative thinking.”

Headteacher at Hook Junior School, Lynn Martin, added: “The children had a great time. Storytelling awakens children’s imaginations and it has been an incredible treat for them.

“They were totally captivated by Andy and listened intently to his stories which told of far off places, homes and magical characters.

“Listening to these stories was an excellent way to develop the love of being read to.

“Our thanks go to Barratt for organising the activity.”

The week took place between January 26 and February 2.

Mr Copps said: “There is nothing better than falling into a great story and allowing a person’s imagination to go on a journey with the storyteller.

“It is fantastic to see companies like Barratt Homes getting involved in the promotion of storytelling while encouraging more children to benefit from such valuable experiences.”