A Kelvedon firm has handed out 1,000 handwriting pens to schoolchildren.

Jamie Marshall, managing director of Premier Print and Promotions company, has visited primary schools in Feering, Kelvedon, Tiptree, Coggeshall and Chappel this week to hand over the pens to support a campaign to get children writing.

Mr Marshall said “Premier is proud to support the local community and how better than helping the next generation with their writing.”

The campaign, part of National Stationary Week, aims to get more people putting pen to paper, by sending more cards and letters rather than just texting or e-mailing.

Sandra Hipgrave, mother to Thomas and Joe, pupils at Chappel Primary School, near Wakes Colne, said: “I think it’s great that a local company are supporting our schools in this way.

“It’s lovely to see the boys off the Xbox and writing instead.”