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Children inspired thanks to Hope in Crossgates

 

Ena and Freddie Ellington, 6 and 3 from Cross Gates, get their faces painted by Hope Revolution volunteers

Ena and Freddie Ellington, 6 and 3, from Crossgates, get their faces painted by Hope Revolution volunteers.

By Jamie Smith

BUDDING little authors were inspired to take part in reading and writing at the Crossgates Centre on Saturday thanks to a local novelist and Leeds volunteer groups.

Children were also encouraged to get involved in balloon modelling, bookmark making, face-painting, and arts and crafts at the Hope in Crossgates event.

Organised by Connecting Crossgates, volunteers included author Daniel Ingram-Brown, pupils from John Smeaton’s Academy and the Hope Revolution group from churches across Leeds.

Karen Gray, the event organiser, said: “We’re keen to work with all of the community and we’ve found that there are a lot of people willing to help out

“So many things are about getting as much money as possible out of people. It’s great to see people doing things for free just to help.”

Daniel Ingram-Brown prepares to read from his latest book 'Rise of The Shadow Stealers'

Author, Daniel Ingram-Brown prepares to read from his latest book.

As well as reading to the children from his new book Rise of The Shadow Stealers, Daniel organised a hands-on story workshop for children in the centre.

He said: “Things like this inspire the kids to go and write stories, it’s all fun stuff but fun stuff to get kids thinking about writing and stories.”

Daniel’s workshop was part of the Big Bookend Pirate Writing Competition which encourages Leeds children aged five to 11 to submit short pirate stories and between now and May 16.

There were around 30 volunteers for the event as well as a bouncy castle, free doughnuts, coffee and even a pirate island thanks to Daniel and the Big Bookend Pirate Writing Competition, which will be running in Leeds until the end of the month.

Mark Ilori, a volunteer with Living Hope Church, Saxon Lane, Leeds said: “I enjoyed it. It’s nice to see someone’s face lift when you offer to help them.”

More events are planned for Connecting Crossgates and The Big Bookend.

Student Volunteers from John Smeaton's Academy help out at their craft stall

Student Volunteers from John Smeaton’s Academy help out at their craft stall.

LISTEN: Organiser Karen Gray explains how ‘Hope in Crossgates’ will inspire locals to get involved…

LISTEN:Daniel Ingram-Brown goes into his pirate world made from odds and ends and encourages kids to join the adventures.

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