It was all part of the town’s Paint the Town REaD reading promotion that saw the Reading Bug (alias Jamie) accompanied by his fellow Red Berets – James, David and Tony parachute from their Hercules C-130J aircraft and land in the centre of Lindner Oval to the loud cheers of students and the large crowd of onlookers.

As it was the Reading Bug’s first parachute jump, he was awarded his special ‘wings’ by Birth to Kindergarten reading day co-ordinator Rhonda Brain.

Other cartoon characters including the Champion Post’s Captain Koala greeted the Reading Bug with a warm hug before accompanying him the stage where he was greeted by Deputy Mayor Cr Alan Ward.

A question and answer session followed where the primary school aged students fired a  range of curly ones to the Red Berets before willingly posing for photos with all students.

Ms Brain expressed her gratitude to all involved in the day and especially the Red Berets for their support of the Reading Day in Parkes Hill.

Deputy Mayor Cr Alan Ward said it showed just what a small community such as Peak Hill could do.

“This is fantastic and on behalf of Council may I extend congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful promotion,” Cr Ward said.

Operation REaD ALERT was a day full of fun for the Peak Hill community all aimed at promoting literacy and numeracy.

The town was decorated in red, with many store owners and staff adding a touch of red to their daily business.