Superheroes inspire Middleton-in-Teesdale pupils to pick up a book

Youngsters in the upper dale have been encouraged to pick up a book and read after delving into a world of superheroes.
Former TV soap director turned author, Jason Beresford, stopped by at Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School to share his amusing storylines from the Fabulous Four Fish Fingers – a gang of superhero kids who fight crime on the streets of Tumchester.  
During a school assembly, Mr Beresford brought to life a chapter from his first book during which he called on the help of pupils to take on the parts of characters Ruby, Bel, Gary and Morris.
Assistant headteacher Vicky Oliver said: “On the back of World Book Day, we just wanted to enthuse the children about reading, writing and literacy in general.
“We had some money from the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust and the Friends of Middleton School also donated towards the cost of the visit.
“Every hand was up saying they want to read the book. Hopefully, we will see this enthusiasm reflected in their work in school.”
Having worked for Tyne Tees TV, Mr Beresford went on to direct Coronation Street and Emmerdale before becoming a primary school teacher. However, he has now left his teaching days behind and has returned to TV as he continues to work on his writing career too.
So far, he has written three children’s books – The Fabulous Four Fish Fingers, Frozen Fish Fingers and Fish Fingers vs Nuggets, which is due out soon.
Mr Beresford said: “It is great to hear the children laugh. Sometimes there are hard to reach children but if you can unlock something that is lying dormant and if you can encourage them to read, that is what it is all about.
“I love encouraging them to read, whether it is my books or someone else’s books.”
Mr Beresford led a number of workshops in school which all followed the theme of superheroes.
He said: “The children will be creating their own superhero characters. They will base their character on an animal and think about the features of the animal and how they can turn them into super powers.
“We will do a bit of reading, a bit of thinking and them some drama.”
Mr Beresford added: “When they write their stories they will have a closer connection to their characters.”