The Salford Literacy Trail was a stunning collaboration between the National Literacy Trust and the Bupa Foundation, with Wild in Art, to create 20 BookBench sculptures in the heart of Salford.

Running from 14 July to 9 September, these eye-catching, unmissable benches were designed by local artists working together with Salford schools.

Children from twenty schools took part in creative workshops with their artist to explore themes and characters from their favourite books.

Each sculpture uniquely captured how children feel about the books and stories that have inspired them and helped them to get in touch with their emotions.

It was an opportunity for families to discover the joys and benefits of reading by exploring the trail and taking part in a programme of activities over 10 weeks in the summer.

The project was designed to inspire a love of reading, with each BookBench providing a blank canvas for children’s creativity.

It also inspired and engaged the local community with literacy in a unique way, supporting wellbeing following the challenges of the pandemic.