Mollie King, from The Saturdays, today broke the fantastic news to children and staff at the Heritage Lottery-funded Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, that they have been named the UK’s favourite education project in this year’s National Lottery Awards.

Mollie made a surprise visit to Newcastle to congratulate all involved in the project on winning the award.

The singer, who was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and experienced difficulties with reading, joined in the fun at the centre’s Summer Storytelling picnic.

She said: “It is amazing to see firsthand the fantastic work carried out at Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books. Reading and immersing yourself in the excitement and imaginative plots of children’s books can be a real inspiration.

“But I know from my own experience that not all children or adults are in a position to experience this pleasure. Seven Stories is a brilliant success story and I am delighted they have been recognised as the nation’s favourite education project in the National Lottery Awards. National Lottery players should be proud that their money is supporting children like this.”

Kate Edwards, Seven Stories’ chief executive said: “This is fantastic news. We are very grateful to everyone who voted for us – to know we are so valued by friends, visitors and supporters from the North East and across the UK is thrilling. Seven Stories began with the big idea that Britain needs a place to save, celebrate and share our amazing literary heritage for children. Eight years on, more than a million children and grownups have visited us and made our exhibitions, events and learning programmes such a success.”