Students at Southampton Glebe Primary School have outstripped all expectations by reading hundreds of books since January.

And as a special reward Principal Gladstone Thompson and teachers treated the kids to a special visit by the Mr. Softee Ice Cream truck.

The reading programme was launched in keeping with the Ministry of Education's directive to make literacy the focus in schools this year.

Mr. Thompson said: "Yesterday we had a Literacy Celebration because we have seen the boys and girls grow in the way they are reading and number of books they have read.

"Our teachers have had great success,'' he continued. "Even the Primary Ones have been really enjoying this and they have worked through their Literacy Place textbooks (provided by the Ministry).'' Mr. Thompson said six of the school's teachers have completed a course at the Reading Clinic and have spread their newfound skills throughout the school.

Central to the campaign is the Reading Counts programme sponsored by ACE Insurance in which students accumulate points for completing a book.

Mr. Thompson reports more than 2,500 points were accumulated since January, adding: "As Principal, I'm very satisfied with the way the students have been responding to the challenge.

"I'm just hoping that it will have a strong correlation with our external examinations this year,'' he continued. "I don't think anyone can deny that students at Southampton Glebe are reading and enjoying reading and that's why we have held this celebration today.'' While Mr. Thompson applauded all of his students efforts, he congratulated Melinda Williams and Chantal Emery both have accumulated over 200 points for their classes.

He also thanked teachers Sandra Smith, Catherine Rego, and Cecily Richardson, and parents Juanita Telford, Karen Skiffington, and Mark Tannock for all their efforts.