Give working mothers a break with a longer school day, says Balding

IT’S not the sort of remark you hear often from a children’s author looking to win over new readers.

The television and radio presenter Clare Balding believes the school day should be two hours longer and holidays cut.

She says it would make life easier for working mothers. “If I were [Prime Minister], I’d look closely at what we’re doing for the next generation. I’d start by lengthening the school day by two hours and shortening the holidays. It’s difficult when you have to pick up the kids at 3.30pm,” said Balding, who has just published The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop.

She says she wrote the book in part to help young girls feel better about their own bodies. Balding, 45, said: “I’ve always wanted a heroine with big thighs.

“I’m very aware of the body image issues that young girls face, so I wanted to include a positive message in my novel.

“I hope that this book will in some way help a generation of girls grow up not worrying what they look like. One that says, ‘It’s not about how your legs look, it’s about what they can do for you’.”