YOUNG book worms at St Antony's Catholic College enjoyed a school trip with a difference, as they spent the evening at the Trafford Centre cinema complex watching the film version of one of their Book Club favourites.

It is the first time the Urmston faith school has sent a party of students to the pictures with 13 of the 42 book club members reporting back on the film version of 'A Monster Calls', which was written by Patrick Ness in 2011, but has since been turned into a Hollywood blockbuster starring Liam Neeson.

Solomon Cuthbertson, 14, from Old Trafford, said he would recommend both the written and visual versions.

“I didn't cry when I read the book,” said Solomon, who wants to join the Army, “but I don't mind admitting I got a bit misty eyed in the cinema. It was very moving, but then again the book version has so much more to offer in terms of plot and character.”

Nene Kenyi, 15, from Old Trafford, added: “I preferred the book. The film simplified the plot and in some ways made it easier to follow but the book draws out each character and leaves you wanting the turn to page. You imagine your own pictures.”

GCSE English Language results at St Antony's have improved by more than 25 per cent in the past four years and head of English, Claire Lambert, said: “A film night at the Odeon might seem an unusual school trip to some, but it is just one of so many different ideas we are employing to enthuse and engage our young minds with the written word.

“Literacy is fundamental to all areas of learning and anything we can do to improve their skills and get them wanting to read, read and read more is a must.”

Set up two years ago, St Antony's Book Club now has 42 members aged from 11 to 16 all reading and discussing one book each term after school.

Ms Lambert added: “We don't necessarily choose books that are being made into films, but it obviously has its benefits.”