AN initiative to encourage youngsters in Stockton to begin reading has been launched.

A fortnightly storytime event will take place on Saturdays at the town's central library, where staff will read stories to the youngsters with colouring sessions to follow.

The first session took place on Saturday for youngsters aged three to six. Among those who attended was two-year-old Angel Grace, above, listening to a story read by librarian Genoveve Rodriguez.

Sue Anderson, Stockton library and information services manager, said: "Sharing stories can be fun for adults and children and can help the development of children's reading."