THREE storytellers from different cultures descended on Craven schools to celebrate World Book Night 2015.

The local events - organised by Settle Stories - involved more than 2,000 children through interactive workshops and inspiring performances.

The aim was to promote the spoken word as a key part of the school curriculum and encourage children to tell their own stories and read for pleasure.

Among those taking part was Alia Alzougbi, a Lebanese storyteller, who challenged pupils to explore their perceptions about racial differences.

Swedish storyteller Emily Hennessey used Norse mythology to inspire children to create their own mythical worlds while

Githanda Githae, from Africa, told her tales using chant, music and movement.

"This tour has proved to us that schools want storytellers in schools," said Settle Stories founder and director Sita Brand. "It develops pupils’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills and improves lifelong learning. It also teaches children about other cultures and widens horizons."

Using Settle as a base, the storytellers visited more than 20 schools - including Christ Church Primary School in School, Settle Primary, Giggleswick Primary, Giggleswick Junior School, Gargrave Primary, Kirkby Malham Primary, Bentham Primary, Ingleton Primary and Grassington Primary - inspiring pupils to fall in love with stories and learn about other cultures.

Gary McHale, headteacher of Kirkby in Malhamdale, said: "Alia was engaging, lively and funny. She told two great stories, taught the children a little of her native language and played circle games. The children had a great time."

There was similar praise from Anne Michelmore-Brown, headteacher of Giggleswick Primary School.

She said: "Alia had a very charismatic personality. She was enthusiastic and an energetic performer with an excellent command of Arabic and came in her authentic clothing - there was just fantastic levels of interaction for the pupils."

And Jo College, joint headteacher of Ingleton Primary School, paid tribute to the storytelling skills of Githanda.

She said: "Githanda has a lively personality, his presence was fantastic - inspirational!"

Also as part of World Book Night, Settle Stories held a free event at Settle Library which attracted more than 40 people and saw the free distribution of over 100 books.

Settle Stories is planning further storytelling tours, but this time the focus will be on enhancing learning in maths and science.

"This story is far from over," said Sita. "The schools and their pupils certainly don’t want it to be."

For more information, visit settlestories.org.uk

'Githanda had a lively personality, his presence was fantastic - inspirational!' - Jo College (Joint Head Teacher Ingleton Primary School)