Rochdale MP Celebrates Local Literacy at His Inspiring World Book Day Awards for Youngsters
Rochdale, Greater Manchester – Paul Waugh MP has officially recognised the borough’s brightest young literary talents at a special awards ceremony held at the children’s library in Number One Riverside.
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The event marked the culmination of the MP’s World Book Day competition, bringing together pupils, parents, and teachers from across Rochdale to celebrate a love for reading.
The top honour went to Matilda, a pupil at Littleborough Community Primary School, who was crowned the overall winner. In a unique tribute to her achievement, Mr. Waugh presented Matilda with a physical copy of Hansard, the official record of Parliament. Matilda’s name has been immortalised in the House of Commons archives after the MP formally recognised her success during a parliamentary session.
In addition to the historic recognition, Matilda secured a £40 book voucher for herself and a substantial £400 prize in books and stationery for Littleborough Community Primary.
"It was a real pleasure to bring together all the prize-winners", said Paul Waugh. "In this age of smartphones, iPads, and computers, it’s lovely to see so many youngsters with a love of reading books for pleasure. I’ll keep doing my bit to help our children, parents, and teachers spread the magic of reading".
The competition also celebrated several runners-up and highly commended entrants who demonstrated exceptional creativity:
The initiative was supported by a coalition of local businesses and community partners. Mr. Waugh extended his gratitude to sponsors including First Bus, H Bell and Sons, Alf Recruit, Office Supplies Now, and Capture Design. A special mention was given to Chris Minogue of Business in the Community, who provided additional prize books for the children on the day of the ceremony.
Reflecting on the importance of the event, Mr. Waugh praised the collaborative effort of the community in fostering literacy. "It was great to meet all the prize winners, their families, and their teachers as they received their certificates. A huge thanks again to our brilliant local businesses who sponsored the prizes this year".
The event highlights a continued commitment to traditional literacy in Rochdale, ensuring that despite the rise of digital media, the, "magic of reading", remains a priority for the next generation.
It was a real pleasure to bring together all the prize-winners of my World Book Day competition at the Children’s...
Posted by Paul Waugh on Wednesday 1 April 2026
The top honour went to Matilda, a pupil at Littleborough Community Primary School, who was crowned the overall winner. In a unique tribute to her achievement, Mr. Waugh presented Matilda with a physical copy of Hansard, the official record of Parliament. Matilda’s name has been immortalised in the House of Commons archives after the MP formally recognised her success during a parliamentary session.
In addition to the historic recognition, Matilda secured a £40 book voucher for herself and a substantial £400 prize in books and stationery for Littleborough Community Primary.
"It was a real pleasure to bring together all the prize-winners", said Paul Waugh. "In this age of smartphones, iPads, and computers, it’s lovely to see so many youngsters with a love of reading books for pleasure. I’ll keep doing my bit to help our children, parents, and teachers spread the magic of reading".
The competition also celebrated several runners-up and highly commended entrants who demonstrated exceptional creativity:
- Runners-up: Joshua Laherty (Smithy Bridge Primary) and Darcy Hatfield (Healey Primary) each received a £30 book voucher and £190 worth of books and vouchers for their respective school libraries.
- Highly Commended: Lucy Buckley and Daisy Kearns (Crossgates Primary), Charlie McClean (Milnrow Parish Primary), and Aizah Azim (Sandbrook Primary) were each awarded a £10 book voucher.
The initiative was supported by a coalition of local businesses and community partners. Mr. Waugh extended his gratitude to sponsors including First Bus, H Bell and Sons, Alf Recruit, Office Supplies Now, and Capture Design. A special mention was given to Chris Minogue of Business in the Community, who provided additional prize books for the children on the day of the ceremony.
Reflecting on the importance of the event, Mr. Waugh praised the collaborative effort of the community in fostering literacy. "It was great to meet all the prize winners, their families, and their teachers as they received their certificates. A huge thanks again to our brilliant local businesses who sponsored the prizes this year".
The event highlights a continued commitment to traditional literacy in Rochdale, ensuring that despite the rise of digital media, the, "magic of reading", remains a priority for the next generation.
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