A school has been shortlisted for a prize for initiative - after leaving 15 books hidden all around Maidenhead, Cookham, Bourne End and Marlow.

But the team at Claires Court School in College Avenue was not being careless.

It was part of the celebrations for World Book Day.

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The gift-wrapped goodies include a range of fiction for young people aged five to 18 years. They have been left in locations around town centres, leisure centres and parks during half term week.

The books were wrapped and protected in a re-usable weather-proof bag. The parcels also had a bookmark note inside sharing some reading facts, and encouraging readers to enjoy the book, pass it on to a friend or take it into their school to share with someone else after they had finished reading it.

The initiative so impressed the Independent Schools Association (ISA) that it has shortlisted Claires Court for its 'marketing initative of the year' prize.

To add to the excitement the school is also in the running for an 'excellence in fine art' award from ISA.

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James Wilding, Academic Principal, said: “We’re very pleased to be shortlisted for these awards amongst other high quality nominees and in a very difficult year for all families and educational settings.

"These awards are great recognition of our pupils and staff for the high standard of work, as well as an initiative to support and involve the whole community in the wonderful benefits of reading.”

The ISA awards reflect the best practice and inspiring achievements of schools in a range of categories. ISA has over 525 members.

ISA’s CEO Rudi Eliott Lockhart, said: “Congratulations to all our finalists. In such a challenging year it is inspiring to see so many strong entries across all categories.”