A talented Strathaven schoolgirl has claimed a runner-up prize in a top charity competition.
Harper Meek, is one of two runners up who secured a public vote for her fantastic bookmark design.
Children 1st ran the bookmark design competition as part of a partnership with the Dollywood Foundation UK, who together are working to spark the love of reading in every child in Scotland.
The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.
Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.
The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.
Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire – iOS – Android
The seven-year-old’s design was one of three shortlisted and put to the public vote on the Children 1st Facebook page.
Harper will receive a book voucher and a Children 1st goody bag.
Now, Children 1st is encouraging people to donate to the campaign and help give a love of reading to children in Scotland who may not have access to books at home.
With public support, the campaign will deliver a free book to children who might otherwise go without, every month from birth to their fifth birthday.
(Image: Freelance)
Alongside the books, Children 1st also offers practical and emotional support to help families keep their children safe and support their wellbeing and development.
Gary Kernahan, Children 1st Director of Fundraising, told Lanarkshire Live: “We were thrilled with the quality of entries we received to Children 1st’s design a bookmark competition and I would like to congratulate Mia, Harper and Fraser for their fantastic work.
“By donating today at www.children1st.org.uk/imaginationlibrary people can help more children who don’t have access to books at home develop a love of reading. Stories are an important part of childhood and Children 1st wants to ensure that all children get to experience the joy of books and reading with their family.
“Spending precious time reading together develops a child’s communication and language skills as well as helping them build strong relationships and feel safe.”
A parent, whose young child is already receiving books thanks to the campaign, said: “I think all children should get to have a story at bedtime.
“Getting books in the post addressed to my son is really exciting for him. Having a new book keeps it fresh and stops him getting bored listening to the same story all the time. It’s been great for my son and even for his older siblings too, as they’re enjoying reading the new stories to their little brother.”
