MORE than 1,000 children – including dozens in Bradford - are set to discover the joy of pen pals after joining a new campaign by stationery giant Maped Helix.

The Maped Helix Pen Pals 4 Pupils Project was launched to connect children in Years 3 to 5 with their peers in other parts of the country, offering them a safe way to exchange handwritten letters and build lifelong friendships.

A total of 44 schools signed up, including Bankfoot Primary School in Bradford.

Lianne Fletcher, head of marketing at Maped Helix, said: “We’re delighted that so many schools across the UK have signed up to Pen Pals 4 Pupils.

"Having a pen pal can be really special and the friendships formed can endure for years, as many people of older generations will remember.

“The children will begin exchanging letters in the coming weeks and I’m sure they will love the experience. It’s a chance for them to put their digital devices down and to get creative, while building handwriting and English skills.”

Radio presenter and bestselling children’s author Chris Smith backed the campaign and gave a creative writing masterclass to schools that signed up.

Chris said: “I am a huge advocate of Pen Pals 4 Pupilss and Maped Helix’s efforts to encourage children to use their imagination by writing letters.”