At 10am on Tuesday 10 May, TV presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly rallied children from 28 schools, communities, and businesses across Birmingham to stop and take 10 minutes to read for the National Literacy Trust’s #Take10ToRead challenge, which highlights the link between reading for pleasure and mental wellbeing. Over 54,000 children took part.

Ant and Dec's debut book Propa Happy which supports children to nurture their wellbeing every day, with author proceeds going to the NSPCC, was the focus of the digital event. 

The book’s illustrator, Katie Abey, led a draw-a-long for children to share what makes them feel happy. The book also launched the Pass the Positivity Campaign, a nationwide positivity project inviting school-aged children to share what makes them feel good.

Ant McPartlin says:
“We love the National Literacy Trust’s Take 10 campaign so were delighted to be able to take part and encourage children and young people to take time for their wellbeing.”

Declan Donnelly adds:
“In these difficult times, this is more important than ever and #Take10ToRead is an excellent way to reach young people from many different communities across the UK.”

The National Literacy Trust is inviting everyone to share their Take 10 challenge on social media by using the hashtag #Take10ToRead