David Walliams shares 'joy' of reading with pupils

Hundreds of pupils came to see actor and author David Walliams

Hundreds of pupils from 28 schools met actor and children's author David Walliams at an event in Wolverhampton that aimed to encourage children to read.

Walliams spoke to them and signed copies of his latest Christmas-themed book, Santa & Son, at the Grand Station building.

The event organised by Wolverhampton Grammar School comes after figures showed just 64% of children in the city reached the expected levels for literacy last year, compared to a national average of almost 71%.

Walliams said it was important for children to read and use their imagination and not be on a screen all day. "You feel calm when you read," he said.

"But at the same time you've got to use your imagination because in films they do everything for you, but in a book you have to create these images yourself."

The event aimed to "share in the joy of storytelling and ignite a love of reading across the city"

"So, they're always going to be very important for kids, and the worry is for parents like us that kids are going to be on their screens all day and not going to want to read a book."

Up to 800 pupils went to see him on Monday to "share in the joy of storytelling and ignite a love of reading across the city", organisers said.

Wolverhampton mayor councillor Craig Collingswood thanked Walliams for his visit and helping to inspire pupils.

"It was great to see hundreds of young students from across schools in our great city excited to read books and get into some early festive spirit," he said in a post on social media.