THOUSANDS of young bookworms are set to benefit from Blackburn's first children's literature festival.

The event will include interactive reading sessions from authors throughout the day at Blackburn Cathedral.

Among those taking part, the Children's Reading Festival is set to feature Blue Peter Book Award winner Andy Seed, rapping African poet Donavan Christopher, author and illustrator Liz Million.

Christina Gabbitas, the festival organiser, said: "The Children’s Reading Festivals CIC was set up to give children from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities an equal opportunity of attending a literature festival.

"Reading isn’t just brilliant educationally but socially and emotionally too.

"We are bringing Bollywood to Blackburn Cathedral with one of our authors Salma Zaman.

"Salma is an amazingly talented lady who has five children, works as dance teacher and is studying too.

"Salma is the author of 'The Bollywood Princess and Help, I cant dance without my Banghra Pants', the book is centred around her own son who has Autism."

In the run up to the big day on June 23, and there will be a number of events taking place to celebrate reading.

On June 19, there will be an evening with the artists at Café Northcote.

Schools from across the borough schools in Blackburn and Darwen will be invited to take part in the reading sessions at the cathedral.

These include St Lukes and St Pauls Primary School, Daisy Field Primary School in Blackburn and Holy Trinity Primary School in Darwen.

Teachers, educationalists, parents and carers are invited to view excerpts of what the children will be experiencing in the sessions.

Gill Fourie, of the Blackburn Cathedral and Singing Together group, is also performing and assisting Mrs Gabbitas with orchestration.

Blackburn Community Council for Voluntary Service will also be on hand as volunteers.

Mickey Bradley of The Undertones, who is one of the festival ambassadors, said: "Every time I see a book being read by someone who has the option of looking at a phone or a console, I get the feeling the world is a better place.

"And I think the Blackburn children’s literature festival is going to be one of the best places in the world be."

Clare Turner from Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "This is a very worthwhile investment into the future of our children in Blackburn and Darwen and hoping to make this an annual events on Blackburn’ calender."