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MEDIA RELEASE
Issued: March 6, 2018
Former Eastenders star opens school's Literacy Shed
PICTURES: A selection of pictures fro media use can be viewed and downloaded HERE
Former Eastenders star Lindsey Coulson officially opened the new 'literacy shed' at Thomas Willingale Primary School and Nursery in Debden.
Lindsey, who played Carol Jackson in the BBC soap for some ten years, cut the ribbon to open the shed which will be used for quiet reading by pupils.
The structure has been provided free of charge by McLaughlin and Harvey which built the Epping Forest Shopping Park in nearby Langston Road.
The company wanted to get involved with the local community and invited Year 5 classes at the school to visit the site while building work was going on at the retail park site.
Lindsey donated two books to the library which already has a selection of books given to the school by parents.
The opening of the literacy shed coincided with the school's World Book Day event which saw every child in the school dressing up as their favourite book characters.
Prizes were awarded for the best boy and girl entry in each class with the entries judged by Disneyland character Princess Belle.
In the afternoon children's author Jack Trelawny visited the school for a book signing session.
Headteacher Teresa Phillips said: "We managed to hold one of our best World Book Days yet! The children dressed in amazing costumes and we were very lucky to have such special guests visiting our school.
"We foster a love of books in school as we firmly believe in the importance of reading for pleasure.
"Children learnt that reading helps to develop their brains, build concentration, help imagination, reduce stress, improve memory alongside many other significant benefits."
The school has also hosted a theatre company which staged an alternative fairy tale story.
As part of the week, children released 108 balloons each with a return address label.
Miss Phillips said: "If you find one of these balloons please write to us and let us know your favourite children's book and why."
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