CAMILLA'S PLEA FOR CHILDREN TO 'GET AWAY' FROM PHONES

THE Queen wants children to put down their phones and pick up a book.

- BY EMILY FERGUSON Royal Editor

Addressing a sharp decline in pupils’ reading for pleasure, Camilla declared that “to get children reading and writing stories...is so important". Speaking at the grand final of the BBC's 500 Words - the country's most successful children's writing competition she told The One Show hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp: "Anybody who hears these stories will see how inspired these children are.

"Also, it gives them time to get away from some of their phones.

"So I think it's so important that children keep on reading and writing.

It's the best thing you could possibly do and it will take you all on adventures all over the world." Her rallying call came amid rising concern at the time children spend on their mobiles - some politicians want the UK to follow Australia in stopping under-16s accessing social media.

Camilla was addressing a reception at Windsor Castle on February 25 when the contest's six winners were announced their names were not made public until last night, on a special episode of The One Show.

Reading for pleasure by children has dropped to its lowest level since 2005.

Just one in three youngsters aged over eight say they pick up a book in their spare time, according to the National Literacy Trust - down from half (51%) two decades ago.

Camilla is patron of the charity, which warns that children's futures are at risk as they turn to digital devices.