Barrow named UK's first comic book town
LICAFBarrow-in-Furness has been named the UK's first "comic book town" in a bid to get more people reading.
Along with a new comic book festival, educational projects in primary schools and community activities will come to the Cumbrian town this year as part of the initiative.
The Lakes International Comic Arts Foundation (LICAF), which leads the project, said its research showed children's writing and reading ability could increase considerably when comic books were used in the classroom.
LICAF's director Julie Tait said the campaign recognised "the power of comics to transform reading and creativity".
"Special educational needs children particularly benefit, comics switch on in their brains in different ways," she said.
The initiative in Barrow coincides with the National Year of Reading, a UK-wide campaign led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust to tackle a decline in reading enjoyment.
Tait said teenagers were more likely to read comics than traditional books.
She said: "Obviously they're the future and if we can get them when they're young, you've got every chance they'll grow up as confident readers of comics and books as well."
LICAFLICAF organises a yearly comic book festival in Kendal and this year it is branching out to Barrow, with the new Barrow Does Comics due to take place on 18 April.
The free event is aimed at under-30s and includes workshops, signings and talks.
The town would then be "flooded" with comic books for people to read for free over the coming months, Tait said.
She said: "There will literally be thousands spread out across doctors' and dentist surgeries, hairdressers, cafes, businesses, university, you name it."
Teachers will also be given special resources to help children get excited about comic books.
The initiative is being launched in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council, the area's MP Michelle Scrogham and the National Literacy Trust.
Councillor Helen Chaffey, cabinet member for culture on the Liberal Democrat-led council, said she hoped the events would show how creativity could break down barriers.
She said: "Comics are a powerful and accessible way to inspire a love of reading, particularly for children and young people who may not always see themselves reflected in more traditional forms of literature."
