Aldi is giving away over 100,000 books to children across the UK for free this summer to help get more kids into reading.
Did you know that one in 17 children in the UK doesn’t own a single book? And more than one in four 11-year-olds had below-expected reading levels in 2019? On top of that, some new research commissioned by budget supermarket retailer Aldi has revealed that 90% of charity professionals believe that children’s reading abilities have unfortunately declined since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic too.
So, in a bid to help more children benefit from everything that reading has to offer, Aldi has announced it will donate more than 100,000 books to children across the UK ahead of the school summer holidays.
The campaign has been backed by Manchester United and England star, Marcus Rashford MBE.
Alongside the launch of the campaign, Aldi has also asked the Wythenshawe-born footballer and best-selling children’s author to narrate an animation called ‘My Reading Journey’ – which the retailer says brings to life “how much joy reading can bring to a child”.
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“I didn’t read properly until I was 17, and I don’t want that for others like me,” Marcus said.
“The escapism and joy you can get from reading could have benefitted me significantly as a child, but the issue was always access and representation.
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“Struggling to put food on the table, there was very little money left for things like books, so it’s great to see Aldi step up to address a growing need for access to books in communities just like mine [as] it’s important that children can see a world much bigger than what they see on their doorstep and that can be achieved through books.”
The books will be produced by Macmillan Children’s Books, and distributed with support from the charity Magic Breakfast – which provides nutritious breakfasts to children and young people at schools in disadvantaged areas for free – with additional copies also being donated by national giving platform, Neighbourly.
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Aldi is giving away over 100,000 books to children across the UK for free this summer / Credit: Annie Spratt (via Unsplash)
“At Aldi we believe that access to books, just like quality food, should be a right, not a privilege and every child deserves to experience the magic of reading,” added Giles Hurley – CEO at Aldi UK and Ireland.
“Not only are we donating over 100,000 books to children that need them, this campaign also aims to help raise awareness of the increasing number of children who don’t have access to their own books at home so those that are in the fortunate position to do so, have the chance to help too.”
Aldi is also encouraging the public to donate to help them provide books to a children.
Making a donation of just £5 means that two books will be gifted to those in need, and you can find out more and donate on the Aldi website here.
Featured Image – Aldi
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Adventurous Mancs needed to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World
Emily Sergeant
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
VAR audio requested as Nottingham Forest prepare complaint after Man City defeat
Danny Jones
Nottingham Forest have requested that the VAR audio from their game against Manchester City be released, as they are considering launching a formal complaint following the defeat.
Forest hosted Man City at home this past weekend and went on to lose 2-1.
However, Sean Dyche’s side are said to be ‘extremely unhappy’ with some of the refereeing decisions made by first official, Rob Jones, on the day.
As a result, they are now asking the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to share some of the conversations between on-pitch officials and the VAR team at Stockley Park in West London.
"I'm scratching my head and I can't believe it!" 😳
Sean Dyche wasn't happy with the officiating in their loss to Man City 😬
As you can see, Dyche initially said that “there’s no point” in pushing the refs on their performance, as he feels they usually only “get in trouble”, but it looks as though his employers have advocated for him.
Nottingham Forest had a problem with the final call in a number of instances during the festive fixture on Saturday, 27 December, but none more so than in one key moment.
The manager and his coaching team felt that Rayan Cherki’s 83rd-minute winner should have been cancelled out following a foul by Nico O’Reilly on Morgan Gibbs-White in the preceding corner, which may have prevented Cherki from scoring another decisive finish.
Dyche also argued that another City defender, Ruben Dias, was due a second yellow card and therefore dismissal from the pitch for a challenge after the break, but there was ultimately nothing doing.
You can see the collision here:
"I do have sympathy for Sean Dyche… it is a second yellow card!"
Ref Watch discuss whether Ruben Dias should have been sent off against Nottingham Forest. pic.twitter.com/dxTYmGsEqZ
According to Sky Sports News, Nottingham have already requested more information from the refereeing body, with this not being the first time they’ve felt hard done by.
As they put it, the hope/belief is that raising the issue could help “start a broader discussion around officiating this season.”
What do you make of Forest’s concerns against Manchester City, and do you think they’re worthy of launching an official complaint against the PGMOL and Premier League?
You can see the highlights from the game and perhaps decide for yourself down below.
Emily Sergeant -
1st July 2022 
