A poetry performance by primary pupils helped raise funds for the ReadWell charity as part of the recent St Albans Literary Festival.

The poetry busk event took place in the middle of The Maltings Shopping Centre, and saw Killigrew Primary youngsters raise £229.29 for the charity, which makes life better for seriously ill children by delivering free books and storytellers to children’s hospitals throughout the UK.

The total included a donation from award-winning poet Tony Mitton, who was appearing at the festival.

Assistant head teacher Emma Thomas-Sloley said: “Our pupils exuded confidence and wowed the audience with their amusing renditions of classic and contemporary poetry. They felt ReadWell was an excellent charity to support because everyone at Killigrew is encouraged to develop a love of reading and what better way to share our love by raising money for such a fantastic charity?”

Festival children’s programme director Jenni Blackford added: “It was an absolute pleasure to watch the children performing and in particular to see their obvious and very genuine enjoyment. They delivered an amazingly confident and engaging performance which is no easy task in the middle of a busy shopping centre.”