Father Christmas was in touch with St John’s Primary School, Wellington, headteacher Oliver Priestley before Christmas and asked if the children were up for a challenge.

Pupils were asked if they could read at least 100 pages to an elf - on the bookshelf - or any other toy before the start of the spring term.

Mr Priestley knew his children not only love reading but also like a competition so he accepted the challenge and now a lot more pupils are on the ’good list’ for this year.

Not only did the children excel at reading over the holidays, many had fun taking photos of themselves reading with their elves and cuddly toys.

During assembly after the holiday, youngsters who took part in the reading competition received their prizes, which included a certificate from school, along with a small toy, stickers and chocolate from Father Christmas.