WHARFEDALE schoolchildren have been given a gift to help them with the next stage of their education.

The Rotary Club of Otley Chevin has presented pupils at primary schools across the area with Dictionaries 4 Life.

The illustrated books are donated to local school leavers each year ahead of them starting secondary school, and have proven popular with children and teachers.

The schools receiving the dictionaries this year are: Ashfield, Otley All Saints C of E; Westgate; St Joseph’s Catholic; The Whartons; Pool-in-Wharfedale C of E; Askwith and Menston.

Rotary Club of Otley Chevin President Bill Baker also handed over his chain of office, temporarily, to one lucky child while delivering the books to Ashfield Primary.

For Year 1 pupil William Nicholson the honour was an unexpected birthday treat as he had turned six on the day. Rotarian George Duncan said: “When Bill asked if anyone would like to wear the sash for a moment, every hand in the school went up.

“William, by wearing it, became the youngest ever president of the club!”

The Dictionary 4 Life scheme, supported by Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland and Usborne Publishing Ltd, aims to promote literacy and boost the educational achievement of pupils around the world.