The first Born & Read in Norfolk event, held as part of the National Centre for Writing’s Family Activity Day at Dragon Hall in Norwich, took place at the start of the Easter holidays on Monday, March 30.

The day included a range of free activities designed to inspire a love of reading and writing, including a competition to design a front page for this paper. Eight-year-old Marlie’s eye-catching and well-written entry was selected as the winner.

Marlie won our ‘Design a front cover’ competition at the Born & Read in Norfolk event (Image: Newsquest)

Mum Becky said Marlie has “always been a little bookworm and actually started reading in nursery”, adding that her current favourite book is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

It was this well-loved story that inspired Marlie, who turned the scene where Violet Beauregarde chews magical gum and transforms into a blueberry into a front-page news story.

“I feel proud and a little bit shocked,” said Marlie when she heard she was the winner.

“I love reading because it feels really nice when you finish a book and it feels like a really good achievement. And it’s great because you know there’s lots and lots more really good books to read.”

Mum Becky added: “As a parent, it’s gratifying to see your kids immersed in a good book, especially when modern living provides us with so many instantaneous distractions.

“Developing reading and writing skills and stamina is so important for a kid’s development and wellbeing, so we are grateful to Born & Read, the EDP and the National Centre for Writing for allowing us the opportunities to be able to access free resources, events and activities that foster a love of reading and writing.”

Children were delighted to take home Born & Read goody bags (Image: Matthew Potter Photography and Videography)

Stephanie Griffin, engagement and retention manager the EDP, said: “We were really pleased to see the wonderful designs submitted for the Eastern Daily Press ‘Design a front cover’ competition.

“We were especially impressed by Marlie’s incredibly neat writing and brilliant drawing. It’s clear she has a real love for her books, which is fantastic to see – and exactly what the Born and Read in Norfolk campaign is all about.”

Born & Read in Norfolk is a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.

Follow the Born & Read in Norfolk campaign here and on social media using #BornAndRead2026

© Norwich Evening News