Cash boost to improve libraries

The grants are part of a national payout of £80m

Two libraries in West Yorkshire will be given more than £1m each to improve services there.

A £1.5m grant will enable the run-down Manningham Library in Bradford to offer new activities and improve the existing Edwardian facilities.

Garforth Library in Leeds will get £1.4m to build an extension and to buy a mobile exhibition trailer.

The grants are part of a £80m payout from the Big Lottery Fund to improve libraries nationally.

Bradford councillor Anne Hawkesworth said: "Manningham Library is already well used by the local community, from children right through to our older residents, and this funding will allow us to develop family learning and library facilities."

Leeds councillor John Procter said: "The money will be put to extremely good use developing a vibrant centre which puts the library right at the heart of the local community."