Mark Jenkinson MP has distributed thousands of books to children across his constituency for a fourth consecutive Christmas.
This year’s festive offering is the popular classic A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ famous story of an old miser visited by four ghosts.
Nearly 7,000 books have been distributed – a colourful illustrated adaption for Key Stage 1 children, and a second version for Key Stage 2 pupils which is closer to the Victorian original.
The gifting of a festive book has become a seasonal tradition for the MP for Workington – and in previous years’ pupils have been presented with The Nutcracker (2020) followed up by ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (2021), and The Snowman (2022).
Mark Jenkinson MP said: “It is my pleasure and my privilege to distribute this wonderful festive classic, versions of which have gone out to 48 schools across my constituency.
“Many will already be familiar with the outline of A Christmas Carol – Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts who make him aware of the errors of his ways.
“The lesson is a timeless one: that it is never too late to become a better person – and there is never a better time to make a positive change than in this, the season of goodwill.
“First published 180 years ago, it has never been out of print – and has been adapted into films, theatre productions, and children’s books.
“The message is still as relevant then as it is today. It reflects what this season is all about: compassion, forgiveness, sharing, and new hope. In our busy, consumer-driven world it can be easy to lose sight of what Christmas really means. This book helps to remind us of what is truly important.
“I hope this book whets the appetite of young people to explore new worlds through reading – and, more importantly, to get into the festive spirit.”
