NEW parents are being encouraged to read to share stories with their babies from birth as part of a literacy initiative.

Books and literacy packs are being given to new parents at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough to help them read with their children from the day they are born.

The National Literacy Trust hub in Middlesbrough have been highly commended in the Third Sector's business charity awards for its scheme with MIddlesbrough Council and Bliss, the charity for babies born prematurely or unwell.

When new mother Hannah Morris, 26, and her baby Christina were admitted to the neonatal unit Sue Thompson, a Bliss nurse at James Cook, talked to her about sharing stories from the earliest stages of a baby's life.

She gave Ms Morris the book Guess How Much I Love You, plus advice on how to get started.

Ms Morris said: “If it hadn’t been for Sue, I wouldn’t have bothered reading to Christina to be honest.

"I don’t think I’d have even talked to her as you don’t have much to say, but the reading gives you something to say. I will definitely read to her as she gets older as I know it helps improve her brain."

Richenda Broad, executive director for well-being, care and learning at Middlesbrough Council said: “Encouraging parents to read, sing and talk to their babies in the neonatal unit is one example of the innovative approaches that we use across Middlesbrough in partnership with the National Literacy Trust."