YOUNG bookworms agree with JK Rowling that "something very magical can happen when you read good book".

That's why they can always be found at their village library looking to borrow the next good read.

Efforts to ensure children do not miss out on the love of reading has won Bolton Schools’ Library Service, Blackrod Library and Blackrod Church School a prestigious award honouring the region’s cultural stars.

They scooped the ‘Library Partnership Award’ in the North West Cultural Education Achievement Awards.

The event recognises organisations and people who have gone above and beyond in their work to improve access to arts and culture for children and young people.

The partnership between the Library Service and school has resulted in visitor figures sky rocketing by 23 per cent, and computer usage rising by 73 per cent at Blackrod Library.

The library also had 81 class visits in the past year with 2,503 attendees, compared with just four class visits in 2013-14.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for culture, Cllr John Byrne, said: "This is a fantastic example of our library service working really well with a local school.

"Thanks to the work through the partnership, every child at the school has a library card to use on class visits.

"I would like to congratulate the service, the school, children and everyone who uses the library on the award — it is well deserved."

The partnership was established in 2015 when Blackrod Church School wanted to encourage more children to read over the summer by participating in the Summer Reading Challenge.

The awards were held at Preston Guild Hall, in April.

Children's love of reading is enhanced as thanks to the library service they have a chance to meet the authors behind their favourite books.

Headteacher James Royal said: "We are absolutely delighted by the award. I have to pay tribute to Victoria Eccleshare, our literacy lead for taking the children safely to the library for the children to keep footfall up in the library to keep this important service for the community.

"Also the children love reading, it enriches their imagination."