PUPILS from two Gwynedd primary schools have shown they are tops when it comes to reading.

They have been awarded the top prizes in the final round of the Welsh Books Council’s national reading competition held recently in Aberystwyth. 

Following their success in the regional competition, the year 3 and 4 team from Ysgol y Garnedd, Penrhosgarnedd, were also successful in the national final.

They succeeded in scooping the Dr Dewi Daves trophy, having received the top marks for their presentation and discussion. Ysgol y Garnedd also claimed the award for the best discussion group for their work discussing ‘Pedair Cainc y Mabinogi’ by Sian Lewis (Rily).

The Ysgol Edern team represented Gwynedd for the year 5 and 6 competition. They won the Dr Dewi Davies trophy. The pupils from Ysgol Edern also won as the best discussion group for their work discussing ‘Pluen’ by Manon Steffan Ros (Y Lolfa).

The teams from Ysgol y Garnedd and Ysgol Edern performed a dramatic presentation to promote a book and discuss a short story they had read. As part of the final national round, both teams also enjoyed a fun workshop with author and Welsh Children’s Poet Laureate, Anni Llŷn.

Cllr Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Many congratulations to both schools on their success. Getting to a national final like this one is a fantastic achievement for any school, but to win the main trophy is testament to the achievement of the pupils and their teachers.

“It’s fantastic to see the children gaining so much from reading and discussing books. It is an invaluable experience to everyone that competes as an opportunity to cultivate their opinions and develop their oral skills. I’m very proud of their success and also thankful to the Council’s Library Service staff for their constant support with the competition.

“Well done to the pupils from Ysgol y Garnedd and Ysgol Edern on their success.”