A DURHAM MP has donated children books the city's library to help young readers.

Roberta Blackman-Woods presented books to Clayport Library, Durham City, as part of the Big Wild Read scheme to get children reading.

She said: "The Big Wild Read is a great scheme to encourage children to spend more time reading.

"Durham has some excellent libraries and there are great children's books in each one.

"I hope the Big Wild Read will encourage schools kids across the city and the county to delve into their local libraries and explore what's on offer there."

The theme of this year's drive to improve literacy is animals and the environment.

Ms Blackman-Woods said: "Libraries are great places to learn more, to explore, to find out interesting things, and to investigate, and I want to encourage all young people in my constituency to go to their local library and do just that.

"It was a pleasure to spend time with children and their parents and I hope I get the chance to do it again soon."