Amazing gift from popular children’s authors delights local school

Marine Park First School in Whitley Bay is now the proud owner of an original painting from popular children’s authors Ronda and David Armitage thanks to an inspiring year two pupil.

Henry, who had taken an interest in seaside themed books after learning about the seaside at school. He wrote to the authors after reading and enjoying “The Lighthouse Keepers Rescue”, a story about a lighthouse keeper who keeps forgetting to switch on the lighthouse light on time.

The story tells of the lighthouse keeper and his wife’s heroic act to save a whale that had washed up on shore, something which inspired Max to create his own drawing to go alongside the letter.

A few weeks later he was shocked to see David Armitage had not only replied to his letter but had sent an original painting from his most recent book which is dedicated especially to the school.

In the letter David thanks Henry and his teacher for writing to him and shared his delight that the 45-year-old book was still popular amongst children.

The painting shows a seaside scene like those at Whitley Bay’s coast, featuring sandcastles, seagulls, a lifeguard, and a seal.

Speaking of receiving the letter Stephen Easton, Headteacher at Marine Park First School, said: “Reading is extremely important to a child’s education and it’s always great when a child takes a real interest in a story and takes enjoyment from that. When Henry wanted to write to say how much he loved the book, it was something we were thrilled to hear about.

“For Henry to receive a response from David was brilliant, but for that to come with something we can treasure as a school and share with all of our pupils is amazing. Henry was so happy to hear back from an author he admires, and the extra gift just tops it all off.

“We’ll be displaying the painting in our library, and I know that Henry and all of the other children will take great pride in having it here. Thank you again to David and Ronda for the wonderful gift.”

Marine Park First School is a community first school for children ages 3-9 years old and is situated in Whitley Bay: https://www.marineparkfirst.co.uk/about-us