A project to encourage reading among the under-fours, is being launched in Hartlepool, on Tuesday.

Five school nurseries - Golden Flatts, Grange, Owton Manor, Rossmere and St Teresa's - are involved in the scheme, which is supported by Sure Start.

Sure Start is a Government-backed initiative involving health, education and social care staff working together to help children up to the age of four.

The project, known as Chattersacks, lets children take home an activity sack, which includes books, a toy or game, a nursery rhyme and ideas of things to do and see. Themes range from the garden and animals to music and travel.

Sure Start's Sue Harrison, who is co-ordinating the project, said: "This will help children develop their language and speech skills at an early age.

"Children will be able to take home a sack of their choice, enabling them to explore the contents and have fun, while learning through their play.

Nora Waugh, Hartlepool Borough Council's early years co-ordinator, said: "This project will build on the work which already goes on in our nurseries.

"It will certainly help children develop a love of reading and books at an early age."