Children 'should use libraries'

The scheme aims to encourage children to read

A council in Cumbria has set up a project to encourage children to make more use of their local libraries.

The book crawl scheme aims to attract young children, and their families, to join and make the most of libraries.

Each child will be given a collectors card to be stamped each time they read and return a book.

A small gift will be given on reading the second and fourth books, and six stamps will be rewarded with a certificate at a special ceremony.

The scheme has been set up by Cumbria County Council's local committee for Eden.

Councillor Gary Strong said: "The council continues to support many initiatives like this to encourage younger children to read at a very early age, to ensure they have a head start when they go to school.

"The project plays a vital role in encouraging children with their families to join a library and begin a lifetime's reading adventure."