Reading scheme backed by football players extended

The scheme encourages children and adults to read more books

A scheme where SPL football players are used to inspire enthusiasm for books and reading has seen positive results.

The Reading Stars initiative was launched last year and more than 90% of the adults who took part said they now read more with their families.

Players involved with the project visit local libraries and schools and take part in reading sessions.

Skills Minister Keith Brown has announced funding for a second year of the literacy programme.

He was joined at the launch in Easterhouse, Glasgow, by Motherwell FC star Lukas Jutkiewicz and Tomas Cerny of Hamilton Accies.

They are among players from the 12 SPL clubs who have named their favourite adult and children's books to mark the start of the scheme's second year.

Cerny chose The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman.

SPL Reading Stars is a great way of encouraging people to pick up books Damien Yeates Skills Development Scotland

Jutkiewicz said his best read was John Steinbeck's The Winter of Discontent, while his favourite childhood book was The Giver by Lois Lowry.

Mr Brown said: "Last year's SPL Reading Stars was a great success which is why we have committed £70,000 to enable this year's programme to go ahead.

"The support and dedication from both the programme tutors and football players are greatly appreciated."

The Reading Start initiative is part of the Big Plus literacy campaign.

Damien Yeates, chief executive of Skills Development Scotland, said: "SPL Reading Stars is a great way of championing literacy skills and encouraging people to pick up books.

"The thought of getting help with reading, writing and numbers can be daunting for many people.

"But it's not like going back to school. It can be fun and relaxed and take place in familiar surroundings."