A MAGICAL hoard of reading gems has been discovered by young bookworms across Middlesbrough.

Nursery youngsters all received a special pack as part of Bookstart Treasure Week.

The three- and four-year-olds - all due to start full-time school this September - were given Simon Sock by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet or Max the Brave by Ed Vere.

Bookstart is run by Book Trust, a charity dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and cultures to engage with books.

Cllr Barrie Cooper, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for children's services, said: "Books open up magical worlds of wonder and imagination for them, boost learning and help to bring families together.

"The earlier children discover the joy of reading, the more likely they are to continue into later life.

"Research shows that those who are read to daily form close bonds with their parents and carers and reach education milestones quicker.

"Quite simply the most important message for dads, mums and carers is that it's never too early to start reading to their children."