A TEACHING assistant has gone to extreme lengths to get students interested in reading.

David Storrie, who is also a trained free runner, posed for these daring ‘extreme reading’ pictures sat on the rooftop of the Mall shopping centre in Blackburn.

Store bosses have slammed his actions, but the 28-year-old from Darwen says he was safe at all times during the seemingly dangerous photoshoot.

Loraine Jones, general manager at The Mall, said: “We are concerned about extreme reading challenges taking place on the top level of our car park for health and safety reasons.

"Our code of conduct, which is located at every entrance of shopping centre, clearly states that no filming or photography should take place unless authorised by Mall management.”

Mr Storrie called on friend and photographer Jay Firth to take the snaps after his school, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, challenged staff to take an extreme reading picture ready for World Book Day today.

He said: “I would like to say that the photoshoot was performed in as safe a way as possible and should not be attempted to be recreated by any one, as loosing footing is possible for anyone, even trained professionals.

“My two thoughts were climbing at the Crag at Entwistle Reservoir or the rooftops of Blackburn.

“Due to the weather, I decided on the rooftop which worked out quite well.

“I chose Blackburn for the shoot because I like the rural backdrop you get from a lot of places around the town.

“The free running is something I have done since school. Myself and some friends got into it and got very good.

“We trained with some of the best who have now gone off to do great things, one works in Hollywood doing stunts on big films.”

The ‘extreme reading challenge’ was created to demonstrate to people that books do not need electricity, they can be read anywhere and everywhere.

The origin of the challenge is unclear, however, the idea is to get children more engaged with books, in new, exciting ways.

Youngsters taking 'extreme snaps' with their books must stay safe at all times.

Mr Storrie added: "I hope the images make people want to get into a book and reading.

“You can get lost in imagination and be anywhere you want in a book."

Mr Firth, a self-taught photographer, said: "This was very dangerous but he is a professional.

“It’s the first time I’ve tried anything like but it was well within David’s comfort zone.

"I love the creative results. Blackburn has great locations to shoot and I’m currently working on making more cool and creative images.

“Places like the area around The Youth Zone in Blackburn is really good. It has a cool, grungy edge.”