Children given Cornish storybooks

A series of Cornish language storybooks for children commissioned by MAGA, the Cornish Language Partnership, have been launched in Cornwall.

The picture books, written by Cornish author Will Coleman, are based in the fictional village of Porth.

Through a Bookstart partnership every Year 3 child in the county will receive one free copy of one of the six titles. MAGA will also be organising training for teachers wishing to learn more about using the materials in class.

"These stories and their accompanying DVD have been piloted at both Lanlivery and Marlborough Primary Schools with great success," said Jenefer Lowe, development manager for the Cornish Language Partnership.

"Everyone who has read the books, including pupils, non-specialist staff and parents, have all responded with enthusiasm."

The storybooks - which feature a whole range of the village's inhabitants, including seagulls, crabs, teachers and boats - were illustrated by Brian Hoskin and Emma McCann.

The new books have been officially launched at Waterstones in Truro.