St Ives Corn Exchange played host to the fifth annual Book Jam event on May 14, with some 500 children taking part in activities and workshops held by published authors and illustrators.

Organised by Friends of St Ives Corn Exchange (ACE), the event aimed to encourage literacy and imagination in youngsters, with sessions led by the likes of Steve Smallman, Katie May and Matt Brown and Lizzie Findlay.

Sponsored by Mick George, the experience also included author-signing sessions, badge-making and a colouring competition. Ros Pascoe, from ACE, said: “I would like to thank Mick George for their very generous sponsorship which enables this wonderful event to take place.”

Going further than the Corn Exchange, Book Jam workshops were also held in The Free Church Hall and in St Ives Library.

The event also marked the Queen’s 90th birthday by displaying a mural and stamps designed by children in the area, and organisers will offer these to the Lord Lieutenant to include in his retirement tribute to the monarch.