The tale of a mouse who combats adversity gave youngsters a taste for adventure at the BLING Book Club anniversary party yesterday.

But while the subject matter was small, the reading club is growing from strength to strength, with up to 250 members at the last count.

Yesterday, it was given a further boost with a $5,000 cheque from Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd.

The insurance and reinsurance company has also pledged staff volunteers over the next 12 months.

BLING — Books Lead Individuals to New Greatness, was initiated by Glenn Jones and Thaao Dill last year in order to improve childhood literacy on the Island.

Mr. Jones, the Premier's Press Secretary, and Mr. Dill, a HOTT 107.5 radio presenter and Senator, said they were inspired by Education Minister Randy Horton's appeal to all citizens to get involved in the education of Bermuda's children.

Mr. Jones said: "At first we thought the club would have a minuscule impact but after 12 months it looks like it really is something, and the kids are really excited about it.

"Today has gone really well. We started out doing games and reading sessions, and it's turned into a real family affair."

Mr. Jones and Mr. Dill now plan to use the $5000 funding to set up a website and weblog on which youngsters can post their literary comments.

"We have more money now to be more interactive, and perhaps start a website and even a blog," said Mr. Jones, who is an EMMY-Award winning broadcast journalist.

"Endurance is going to help us take BLING to the next level. So I'm expecting more kids, more books, more interaction and more excitement about literacy. The first year far exceeded our expectations and now I'm bursting with optimism for year two."

Dan Izard, Endurance Chief Operating Officer, said: "Endurance is pleased to be the title sponsor for the BLING Book Club, and the values it stands for. Endurance and its employees are committed to growing and nurturing the BLING Book Club through volunteerism. We are excited to help in any way possible to see that BLING continues to thrive."

BLING mainly appeals to children aged nine to 12, but also has members as young as six. Between three and four new books are introduced over a year and after the children read each one they celebrate with a BLING party. 'Hoot' by Carl Hiaasen, 'Stuart Little' by E.B. White and 'Matilda' by Roald Dahl are among the books read so far.

BLING provides all of the books, parties and prizes free, and the next book will be Roald Dahl's 'James and the Giant Peach'.

Yesterday, Mr. Jones and Sen. Dill chose 'Stuart Little' — the story of a mouse living in New York who leaves home for the first time, with which to celebrate BLING's first anniversary. Up to 100 children enjoyed an afternoon of readings, games, popcorn, balloons, and a bouncy castle on Camden Lawn at the Botanical Gardens.

Danielle Martin of Somerset, whose 11-year-old son Maleke took part, said: "I think it's great. It's a good thing because Maleke needs to strengthen his reading. This gives kids something to do at the weekend and keeps them occupied."

Sen. Dill said: "It's important to normalise reading at this age, and our goal is to make BLING an institution through which children can make regular contact with literature."

For more information: blingbookclub@hotmail.com.