FAMILIES are being targeted by the National Literacy Trust in an attempt to boost their reading skills and employment prospects.

And the Middlesbrough Reading Campaign got off to a flying start when Middlesbrough FC player Lukas Jutkiewicz and the club’s mascot Roary the Lion descended on Berwick Hills alongside Teesside author Keith Brumpton to hand out books to youngsters.

The campaign, which falls in National Storytelling Week, is aiming to address the problem of young children starting school without the expected level of spoken language.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: “I am delighted that Middlesbrough Council is working in partnership with the National Literacy Trust – a national charity with extensive expertise and knowledge in addressing low literacy.”

Jonathan Douglas, director at the National Literacy Trust, said: “We are taking a unique approach in deploying tried and tested literacy projects across Middlesbrough, working in partnership with local businesses and existing programmes and launching a media campaign to raise awareness of the importance of supporting children’s literacy. We are looking forward to working with the Middlesbrough community to break intergenerational patterns of low literacy.

“Getting parents involved is crucial to the success of this campaign and we would encourage local parents to visit www.turningpages.co.uk where they can find practical tips on supporting their child’s reading development.”

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