Press Release

Date: 11 March 2019

In support of World Book Day last week (7 March), ferry operator DFDS hosted interactive reading, singing and illustration workshops for local primary school children, on-board DFDS' King Seaways ferry.

100 ecstatic children aged 7-11 from four Newcastle schools – Seaton Sluice First School, Wyndham Primary School, Battle Hill Primary School and Stephenson Memorial Primary School – took part in the workshops on board the docked ship at the Port of Tyne.

The three workshops, which demonstrated unique ways of storytelling, were led by authors Gwyneth Rees, Miles Salter and Lynne Chapman.

Award-winning novelist Gwyneth Rees shared some childhood experiences of writing stories and told the children about her first book, which she wrote at just 10 years old. She led an interactive discussion with the children about where creative ideas can come from, and how imagination and ideas, sparked by real life situations, can make for truly engaging stories.

Musician, poet, author and enthusiastic storyteller Miles Salter had the children on their feet, singing and dancing along to his catchy songs and skilful guitar playing. He also encouraged children to tell stories through acting and role play, as he had the children dress as various characters and perform to their fellow class mates.

Illustrator of over 30 children's books, Lynne Chapman taught the children how to make illustrations simple, yet emotive and effective. She started with just two dots and a circle on the paper, and showed the children how to develop their drawings with simple techniques that can help bring a story to life.

Andreas Kristensen, Captain of DFDS' King Seaways said: "We were thrilled to be able to offer such fun and engaging workshops for children who attend local primary schools in Newcastle, in support of World Book Day, which is such a fantastic charity."

"The authors' energy was infectious and the children all had a great time. We're delighted that the event was such a success and that the schools that attended thoroughly enjoyed their time onboard with us, in what was the first event of its kind."

Kirsten Grant, Director of World Book Day said: "We're so pleased that DFDS has supported our Share A Story campaign this year, with their fun and interactive on-board event for children from local primary schools."

"We know that sharing stories together, with no agenda other than pure enjoyment, for just 10 minutes a day, has a long-lasting positive effect on a child's future and creates readers for life. It's wonderful that the children were able to have some fun onboard with DFDS, while learning too. We're asking the nation to encourage all parents and carers to take 10 minutes to read with their children every day and make reading part of daily life."

In addition to the sessions run by the authors, children were given colouring activities, including an illustrated collection of bookmarks designed by Rob Biddulph, the official World Book Day illustrator for 2019, which they could take away with them to colour and design at home.

DFDS operates daily overnight departures from Newcastle to Amsterdam, and crossings take 15 hours. Prices start from £45pp each way for a car and 4 people or our two-night foot passenger mini-cruise's start from £58pp. A range of restaurants, bars and on-board entertainment is provided throughout so the holiday begins as soon as you step onboard.

For further press information, please contact:

Elsa Findlay / Charlotte Wright / Arabella Halfhide / Katie Raby Rooster PR T : +44 (0)20 3440 8930 E : DFDS@rooster.co.uk www.rooster.co.uk

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DFDS Press Office 01304 874052 Dover.pr@dfds.com

About DFDS:

DFDS is Northern Europe’s largest integrated shipping and logistics company, with a network of around 30 routes and 50 freight and passenger ships.

DFDS prides itself on offering world-class facilities and services and the widest choice of ferry routes into northern Europe.

In the UK, the company operates passenger ferry services on routes from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk, Newcastle to Amsterdam and Newhaven to Dieppe.

DFDS has been named ‘Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for eight years running (2012-2019), as well as the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for the last seven years (2011-18).

DFDS currently operates up to 54 sailings a day between Dover and France on its Dover-Dunkirk and Dover-Calais routes. DFDS also offers two daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam. In addition, the DFDS network includes a passenger and freight service between Newhaven to Dieppe, which has four daily sailings and is operated by Transmanche Ferries.

For further information about DFDS, or to find out about the latest sailing times, fares and offers across all routes from the UK, click here.