SEVEN schools in Poole and Bournemouth have signed up to a Story Lab project aimed at developing literacy skills.

Between April and October this year, library staff, teachers and artists will work with children aged between four and 14 and encourage them to read, create and share stories.

Almost 800 children from Kings Park Primary, St Luke’s Primary, the Bishop of Winchester Academy and St Peter’s Secondary School in Bournemouth, and Old Town First School, St Mary’s Combined School and Poole High School will be taking part in the project.

Each school will reinterpret a traditional story and choose whether to tell it through dance, drama or music.

A showcase of performances, screenings and exhibitions will complete the Story Lab project.