AN OUTDOOR event in Darlington's South Park to encourage children to read more books attracted more than 1,000 people.

The free event, for 0-5 year-olds, was organised by Darlington Libraries to celebrate National Bookstart Week, which aims to promote reading to the youngest children.

Families enjoyed a host of different activities including a petting zoo, face painting and a meet the mascot event including Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Paw Patrol's Ryder and Marshall.

There was also giant bubble play on offer, birds of prey flying displays, balloons and baby and toddler taster sessions.

Event organiser Suzy Hill, the Bookstart and Library Literacy co-ordinator at Darlington Libraries, said: "We were delighted to see so many families visit the park and take part in the wide range of activities on offer.

"Every child went home with a free goodies bag which included a copy of “A busy Day for Birds” by Lucy Cousins.

"This event aimed to inspire reading and book sharing in the home from as early an age as possible. "We hope that by bringing families together and being able to gift this book, alongside the host of family friendly activities on offer, that Darlington parents continue to share books in the home as part of their daily routine and give babies and young children the gift of a great start in life.”

National Bookstart Week is an annual celebration of BookTrust’s flagship reading programme, Bookstart.

Bookstart gives every child in England and Wales a free reading pack in the first year of their life and again when they are 3-4 years old.

BookTrust works to remind families of the importance of reading for pleasure – even if it is just for ten minutes a day.

Ms Hill added: "Reading and sharing stories together has been proven to be one of the best things you can do for your young child.

"BookTrust and libraries work together to reinforce this message and to get books in the home from as early an age possible.

Last week there were thousands of free fun events around the country for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families, at libraries, children centres, nurseries and bookshops.

Anyone who couldn't make it to the events can visit the Bookstart website at www.booktrust.org.uk/supporting-you/families/our-programmes/bookstart/