The inaugural Dungog Shire’s biggest reading day was part of the early literacy project Born to Read started by Dungog Shire Community Centre coordinator Sarah U’Brien.

It aims to support all community members to understand the importance of reading to children from birth.

“The idea is to build an understanding that reading to children is not only an opportunity to share a cuddle and a book, but also the opportunity to support children developing skills that will support their life long learn,” Ms U’Brien said.

Twenty two live sites between Mackay and Dowling Street were set up with local business owners and community volunteers reading to preschool and school-aged students from around the shire.

The children enjoyed Bruce Whatley’s book Clinton Gregory’s Secret.

Each child received a showbag and made a pirate hat as part of the experience.