As well as performing a live version of his picture book story, he backed ambitions to ensure every Sheffield child is articulate and literate by the age of 11.

Different parts of the Crucible were themed using the author's bear hunt story on Tuesday, with the audience playing the part of adventurers.

In the afternoon, almost 1,000 children from 28 different primary schools, dressed in costumes inspired by their favourite children's literature characters, paraded across the city to the theatre for a second performance of the show.

The city wide literacy strategy covers all kinds of activity to promote reading and writing for enjoyment, and makes boosting children's confidence to read out loud another priority.

Coun Andrew Sangar, cabinet member for children's services and lifelong learning, said: "I used to read "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" to my children when they were very young and it was one of their favourite stories.

"To have Michael Rosen performing the show live is the best example I could imagine of how to get children excited about all the wonderful stories out there."

lAbove: Michael Rosen on stage at The Crucible Theatre with youngsters from Intake and Whiteways primary schools, including (foreground) Gabriella Murton, left, and Emily Compton.

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