YOUNGSTERS in Hartlepool aged under five are being invited to parties to celebrate the start of a reading initiative.

Next week, there will be three parties at libraries around Hartlepool to mark the launch of the Bookstart Plus scheme.

Hartlepool's Library Service and Sure Start are launching the scheme, under which every child in the town will be given a free bag of books and information when they receive their speech and language check by their health visitor when they are two years old.

The bags will include two books, a toddler's first reading list of suggested books, a number frieze, a drawing pad and crayons, a leaflet on the children's information service and a freepost card to send off for details of events at local libraries.

To celebrate the start of the scheme, youngsters under five in the town along with their parents, are invited to the three parties which take place on Monday, at Throston Grange Library at 1.45pm, Tuesday, at Seaton Carew Library at 1.30pm and Wednesday, at Foggy Furze Library at 1pm.

Gillian Slimmings, Bookstart Plus co-ordinator, said: "Reading is a vital tool in life and learning, and it's crucial youngsters are encouraged to explore the joys of books and reading from the earliest possible age."

For more information about any of the three parties contact Ms Slimmings on (01429) 263199.