A HAMPSHIRE MP has dropped into a primary school to stress the importance of reading.

Eastleigh MP Mike Thornton was at Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh where he read aloud to pupils.

Alongside The Gruffalo’s Child he shared with the children his favourite poems and encouraged them to read at home with friends and family.

After visiting the school, Mr Thornton spoke with parents at the gates and handed out his Schools Survey asking parents’ opinions on improving education in the UK.

He said children’s reading was “vitally important” and evidence suggested that it improved vocabulary, general knowledge and the chances of doing well at school.

He added that his Liberal Democrat party has given 15 hours of free education to all three to four-year-olds and set up a £2.5 billion Pupil Premium which puts more money directly in to schools that need it most.