Eight-year-old Milan Kumar has published his own book with the hope of raising funds for the National Literacy Trust.

In the lead up to Christmas, Milan has written and published a new children’s book 'Covid Christmas Parade' all about a young boy who is determined to bring back his town’s Christmas cheer in light of the pandemic and is donating all proceeds to the National Literacy Trust.

Milan Kumar, said: “I feel proud knowing I have made a difference to the lives of other children because reading promotes health and well-being.

"I love reading and learning about the world through books and I want to help as many children as possible discover the magic of reading and all the great the benefits it comes with.”

During the first lockdown, Milan read an incredible 50 books – including titles by David Walliams, J.K. Rowling, William Shakespeare and Nelson Mandela – and his achievements were recognised as “absolutely wonderful” in a special letter from the National Literacy Trust’s Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.

When the National Literacy Trust launched their summer fundraising challenge called #FitforLit, Milan combined his two favourite hobbies into a challenge for himself. Over 10 days, Milan cycled 50 laps a day – one lap for every book he read during lockdown – around the University of Bolton Stadium raising over £2,000 for the charity.

Milan then went onto become a Premier League Reading Stars Ambassador for Bolton Wanderers Football Club, as part of the programme run in partnership with the Premier League and the National Literacy Trust which inspires children to get into reading through their love of sport. As an ambassador, Milan has been reading and reviewing many books on his social media throughout the autumn to inspire others.

Milan’s book can be purchased via Amazon here.