To combat the problem of illiteracy, the St. David's Primary School hosted a family Read-in and pizza party.

The event, which took place recently, saw parents, students and teachers reading book after book.

The Read-in culminated the school's self-appointed reading month during which students were encouraged to read at home for 15 minutes a day.

It allowed families and teachers to join together in the fight against illiteracy.

And for an added incentive, the owner of Pizza House decided to donate pizza pies for dinner. Franz Egenolf offered his services to the school because he agreed that reading was an essential part of education.

"Reading is so important,'' he stressed. "So often people come to Pizza House to apply for jobs, but they can't read the application well enough to complete it.

"They also have difficulty responding to questions as to why they want to work. I feel that the more children read, the better they learn and can communicate.'' Principal Edward Wright was also pleased with the event's results.

"The Read-in was a fantastic success due to the efforts of each student, the guest speakers....and teachers,'' he said. "But most of all because of the parents who put their skills to good use by spending quality time reading to their children as they lay cuddling on classroom floors.'' The guest speakers included education officer Janet Musson, authors Ellen Kelly and Ruth Thomas as well as reading specialist Isabelle Montgomery.

All of the families who took part were presented with certificates recognising their achievements.