Dozens of colourful book-shaped benches designed by children have gone on display in Manchester.

The 58 BookBenches have been designed by local children and community groups, who were inspired by books and reading.

Most of the designs are based on favourite children's books such as Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, Mr Men and Roald Dahl.

A total of 24 cultural venues across Manchester will host the BookBenches as part of the project, which has been done in partnership with Wild in Art, and is part of the Read Manchester campaign from Manchester City Council and the National Literacy Trust.

To celebrate the exhibition, there are lots of activities taking place over the summer at the venues where the BookBenches are on display, including literacy-themed events, storytelling sessions and book swaps. There will also be activities and resources at each location for families to complete.

Families will also be able to follow a trail between the benches and complete fun activities along the way.

Benches unveiled as part of the campaign, aimed at promoting reading across the city to boost literacy levels, include...

‘The Journey’, created by pupils at Heald Place Primary School – a bench inspired by the strength, courage and bravery of refugees around the world, which the pupils read about in The Journey by Francesca Sanna

‘How to Train Your Dragon’, created by pupils at St Luke's CE Primary School – this design is based on Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon series, one of the school’s favourite stories of bravery and overcoming adversity

‘Manchester's Secret Gardens’, created by Manchester College’s Supported Learning Department – this BookBench is inspired by Manchester-born Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of The Secret Garden, as well as Manchester’s green spaces

BookBenches View gallery

Author Cressida Cowell, an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that a Manchester school has been inspired to decorate their BookBench by How to Train Your Dragon.

"It’s so wonderful to hear pupils saying that the book has taught them that it’s what’s inside that counts. I hope that families in Manchester will have fun exploring the BookBench trail this summer and will be inspired to pick up a book and discover a love of reading.”

Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, said: “We are so excited to see the finished BookBenches created by talented local schoolchildren and community groups.

"Our research shows that reading for enjoyment has an important impact on how children do at school, and the amazing BookBench designs demonstrate that Manchester children have a real passion for reading.

“We’re encouraging families across the city to visit and enjoy the BookBenches over the summer – we hope you have fun discovering the benches and discussing the books which inspired them!”

A cluster of venues in the city centre are playing host to the benches, including Manchester Cathedral, the Manchester Arndale, the Royal Exchange Theatre and the National Football Museum.

Outside of the city centre, other venues taking part include the National Cycling Centre, the Lowry Outlet and Manchester Museum.

The BookBench trail opens on Monday, but was officially unveiled at a special launch event at The Stoller Hall in Manchester on Wednesday, where schools, community groups and representatives from local cultural venues gathered to celebrate the hard work and creativity that has gone into designing and decorating the BookBenches.

Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council's lead member for schools, said:"It's fantastic that we've been able to bring the BookBench trail to Manchester. The completed benches look amazing and really capture the energy and creativity of the city.

"We want everyone to understand the importance of reading for pleasure and the benefits it brings not just for children but also for adults.

"The BookBench trail is a great idea that we're hoping will inspire everyone to pick up a book and read it - to relax, escape, learn and be inspired."

Sally-Ann Wilkinson, director of Wild in Art, added:“We’re delighted to be working with Manchester City Council and the National Literacy Trust to bring BookBenches to the city.

"Every decorated bench tells a special story and, together with a jam-packed summer of book-themed events and activities, we hope they encourage all generations to pick up a book and get reading.”

The Read Manchester campaign is run in partnership by Manchester City Council and the National Literacy Trust, and promotes reading for enjoyment through a programme of activities and events.

For a full list of venues hosting BookBenches and to download a trail map, visit www.readmanchester.org.uk