FOUR students from a Thurrock secondary school reached the top ten in a national competition promoting literacy.

Ashley Ototobor, Ellie Bennett, Danielle Soyoye and Scarlett Leach from the Harris Acadamy Chafford Hundred, took part in the final of the National Reading Champions Quiz from the National Literacy Trust, competing against 21 other teams from across the UK in the only national reading quiz which is entirely dedicated to knowledge of fiction books.

The team went above and beyond for their school, placing in the top 10 of 22 teams.

Held at a prestigious central London location, the final saw the Harris Academy team battle through eight rounds of live fiction quizzing. Celebrated children's authors joined the event in person and via video link including Sir Michael Morpurgo, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Patrice Lawrence, Sarah Crossan and Jasbinder Bilan. The final was hosted by engaging quizmaster Mr Dilly who provided an entertaining as well as educational experience for teams taking part.

During March, 500 UK teams comprising of 2,000 students competed across over 20 regional heats where the Harris Academy team won through to the final. In recognition of their success, they received a regional trophy and finalist certificates.

Every quiz finalist also received a selection of free books, thanks to donations from Pan Macmillan and Penguin Random House, to encourage them to continue on their varied reading journey.

Henrietta Roberts, Senior Project Manager at the National Literacy Trust, said: "It has been a very special occasion celebrating this year's finalists, the librarians who support them on their reading journeys and the authors who inspire them - I am in awe of these young people and their reading knowledge!

"The quiz is a really positive experience from the first regional heat to the grand final and it is wonderful seeing the quiz go from strength to strength with the help and support of regional organisers, librarians and the students themselves who bring such energy and team spirit to the competition. We look forward to welcoming many more keen readers to the quiz in the future, whether they are defending a regional title or having a go for the first time.

"Reading is for everyone and we can all enjoy the amazing world of children's literature available today and celebrate our young readers through the National Reading Champions Quiz."