Different generations united as a special event was hailed a success.

An intergenerational book battle took centre stage at Hildesley Court in Pakefield, Lowestoft.

Having helped to inspire children and families across Suffolk in encouraging a love of reading, a Lowestoft-based author and tutor - who was honoured with a national award for services to literacy in the UK in February - was delighted to be "a part of such a wonderful event."

After being crowned as the joint winner of the 2022 Ruth Rendell Award at a prestigious ceremony in London in February, Nigel Lungenmuss-Ward joined with young and old at the sheltered housing facility on Stradbroke Road, Pakefield ahead of International Children’s Book Day.

Lowestoft Journal: An intergenerational book bonanza in Lowestoft was 'a wonderful event'. Picture: Mick HowesAn intergenerational book bonanza in Lowestoft was 'a wonderful event'. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Organised by Get Suffolk Reading and the National Literacy Trust, the event saw pupils from Pakefield Primary joining Hildesley Court residents as Nigel Lungenmuss-Ward read a series of different books.

With Mr Lungenmuss-Ward running the intergenerational book event, the youngsters and older generations had to decide on the best children's books from a selection of those he read.

Lowestoft Journal: Nigel Lungenmuss-Ward read a series of different books. Picture: Mick HowesNigel Lungenmuss-Ward read a series of different books. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The group then all voted on their favourite book as Central Co-op provided refreshments for all, with those taking part also receiving books to keep.

Posting on Twitter afterwards, Mr Lungenmuss-Ward said: "Reading stories is one of my favourite things to do.

Lowestoft Journal: Nigel Lungenmuss-Ward read a series of different books. Picture: Mick HowesNigel Lungenmuss-Ward read a series of different books. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Sharing them with others makes it even better.

"I am so proud to have been a part of such a wonderful event.

"It is yet another example of how books can bring people together."

Lowestoft Journal: Nigel Lungenmuss-Ward read a series of different books at the event. Picture: Mick HowesNigel Lungenmuss-Ward read a series of different books at the event. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Similar sentiments were shared by Tami Evans, members and community events co-ordinator in Norfolk and Suffolk with Central Co-op, who said: "A wonderful afternoon with our intergenerational Book Battle event at Hildesley Court with pupils from Pakefield Primary.

"Bringing different generations together to enjoy stories with the fabulous author Nigel Lungenmuss-Ward."