MUM Lynn Park reads to her baby, Owen, and now she is encouraging other parents to do the same.

Middlesbrough Council has launched a the Bookstart scheme to encourage parents, grandparents and other family members to read to children at the earliest possible age.

Librarians in Middlesbrough are organising a special Bookstart Baby Day at the town's Berwick Hills Library in March when free books, toy library vouchers and a bag of baby equipment will be on offer.

In addition, for anyone who can design a logo for the initiative there is a £100 book voucher to win.