PARENTS of young children in Darlington have been urged to collect a set of free books that aim to give babies a head start in literacy.

The Bookstart Pack is made available to every child before their first birthday and include two baby board books and support materials for parents to help them encourage their child to read every day.

Darlington Crown Street Library works with health professionals to gift the packs at the nine to 12 month health check.

Any child who missed the check, or didn’t receive a free pack during this appointment, can visit the library at any time to pick up it up.

Bookstart co-ordinator Suzy Youldon said: "Bookstart Packs are an entitlement for children and the pack is the first in a line of gifts from Booktrust, which are given to parents and children to encourage a love of books from an early age to give children the best possible start in life.

"All the resources are of an excellent quality and parents often tell me years later that their child’s favourite books remains the one they received from us. I would encourage any parent of a baby aged between 12 and18 months who hasn’t yet received their pack to visit the library to collect theirs.”

Call 01325-349610 or visit the library for more information.