Youngsters might be used to hearing someone read to them at bedtime, but now one group can hear themselves read a popular tale any time they go shopping.

Schoolchildren are having their voices heard after winning the chance to narrate a new family attraction at Bluewater.

Eight youngsters from Stone St Mary’s Church of England Primary School have been selected as the winners after recording their own readings of the world-renowned story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

They can now be heard at the new attraction set within the Nature Trail at Bluewater.

The recordings complement the existing Very Hungry Caterpillar trail, which takes visitors along a mini adventure around the lakes, play areas, and bug hotels. Now families can listen to audio readings from the Eric Carle classic via QR codes.

A large sculpture of an apple from the famous picture book - which has sold more than 54 million copies worldwide – is the centrepiece to the trail, made by artist Ptolemy Elrington using scrap and recycled metals.

The lucky pupils also won a goody bag with prizes including a cuddly caterpillar toy, The Very Hungry Caterpillar activity packs, and personalised certificates.

Bluewater's senior centre director Robert Goodman said: “We had some excellent entries for the competition and it’s been brilliant to involve local schoolchildren in the telling of such a popular story here at Bluewater.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an iconic picture book that so many families know, and the children’s voices really bring it to life, complementing our existing trail which we expect will attract even more families over the summer holidays.”

The storytelling trail is free to visit throughout the summer holidays.

Its launch comes shortly after the opening of Hangloose Adventure, England’s longest and fastest zip wire.

Also new to Bluewater, but in the shopping area, is SD Home of Menswear by Suit Direct, which has opened its doors.

SD is one of the fastest-growing menswear retailers in the UK, with eight more stores planned across the UK and Ireland this year.

It offers suits, accessories and casualwear from brands including Ted Baker, Selected Homme, Marc Darcy, Ben Sherman, Jack and Jones, Racing Green, Limehaus, Gibson London and Jeff Banks.

Mark Cotter, chief executive of SD Home of Menswear by Suits Direct, said: “At SD we’re dedicated to dressing men well and making men’s tailoring accessible for all.

“We know that the modern man cares about his appearance and we want to make it easy for him to shop the leading brands in occasion wear and smart-casual, all under one roof. We’re opening a number of new stores on high streets and shopping centres throughout the UK in order to do so.

“Our instore teams work tirelessly to make every customer experience enjoyable. We offer one-to-one suiting appointments for those after a little more assistance and the team are always on hand to help wherever possible.”

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