Renowned mountaineer, filmmaker, and author Matt Dickinson is set to captivate young minds at St Benedict's Junior School in Glastonbury.

His visit forms a part of his commitment to fostering global awareness and encouraging creative writing and reading among children.

Dickinson, a fervent supporter of the educational initiatives of the Wells Festival of Literature, will spend an entire week with the pupils of St Benedict's.

His real-life adventures, which have spanned from the heights of Everest to the extremes of the Sahara and Arctic, are not just stories of adventure but also serve as educational tools. His engaging book series, "The Popcorn Eating Squirrels," brings the thrill of exploration into the classroom.

The Wells Festival of Literature, a charitable entity, is dedicated to enriching local educational experiences. It channels the profits from its public event ticket sales into funding numerous educational programmes. Dickinson's involvement is a shining example of the festival's commitment to educational enrichment.

While Dickinson's visit is a highlight for St Benedict's Junior School, the festival's reach extends beyond, with other literary activities planned. Best-selling children's author MG Leonard will also be featured during the festival week, influencing hundreds of young minds across thirty schools.

The festival is not just about inviting authors but also about facilitating a continuous engagement with literature. Projects like Poems by Post will see children receiving weekly poetic inspiration from celebrated children's poet AF Harrold.

The ongoing efforts of the Wells Festival of Literature ensure that literary engagement and the joy of reading are actively promoted throughout the academic year. Their initiatives include not just author visits but also generous donations of books, ensuring that students at schools like Kings of Wessex Academy can experience the pleasure of reading from their very own books.

To immerse yourself in the festival's offerings, all events take place at Cedars Hall in Wells. To discover more or to secure your tickets, visit www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk or dial 01749 834483.