A unique writing programme sponsored by law firm A&L Goodbody has been recognised in the Best Use of Creativity in the Community category at the Business to Arts Awards in Dublin.

The Writer in Residence programme, run by Business to Arts and Dublin City Council, places a professional writer into an inner city school with the aim of improving literacy skills among pupils.

As part of the partnership, A&L Goodbody provides funding, administrative and promotional support.

Since October, Ms Cullen has worked with third and fourth class pupils at St Joseph’s Co-ed Primary School in Dublin with the aim of improving their writing and reading skills.

Teachers report that the pupils involved in the programme are enjoying reading more, are much more confident about reading out loud and coming up with more creative ideas for their writing projects in class.

Ellie Kennedy, principal of St Joseph’s Co-ed Primary School, said: “We have been delighted to have Catherine Ann Cullen come into our school to instil a love of writing in our pupils.

“She has fully embraced the ethos of St Joseph’s and makes her lessons relevant to the children’s surrounding environment which enhances the ‘creative writing spark’ in them.

“Our pupils love seeing her every week and thoroughly enjoy the poems she writes for them which in turn inspires them to write and think creatively also. We are extremely lucky to have Catherine Ann in our school.”

Julian Yarr, managing partner at A&L Goodbody, said: “It’s fantastic to see the success of this programme. The children are really benefitting from Catherine Ann’s passion and creative talent.

“We are delighted to be supporting this innovative initiative that builds on and complements our ongoing work with Suas to improve literacy levels in our local area.”