Students from Chesterton Primary School climbed the 334 steps to Big Ben to find a wondrous place to read.

Event organiser Beanstalk is a charity that provides schools with volunteers to support young readers and promote ready as an enjoyable activity.

The five students from the Battersea school made the epic ascension to the belfry armed with their favourite books and settled down to read them behind the iconic tower’s clock face.

Every Child a Reader teacher at the school, Katherine Williams, said: "This is a unique opportunity for London children to explore the inside of one of the most famous buildings in the world that is not generally open to the public.

"It is indeed, a special place to read. We are very fortunate to have Beanstalk volunteers supporting our children at Chesterton and helping them to develop a love of reading."