VISITORS to the Crown Street Library in Darlington could be forgiven for curling up and going to sleep this week, as readers celebrate National Bedtime Reading Week.

Darlington Borough Council has teamed up with baker Warburtons to mark the week-long event, which ends on Sunday.

A family learning day was held when readers of all ages were invited to the library to find out more about the resources available, and to take part in a series of fun activities.

Children from across the town took part in a colouring competition to depict their favourite book character before settling down to story-time with Warburtons' Alan Conway.

While the children enjoyed the stories and colouring time, parents and other family carers had time to find out more about the library and enjoy hot cross buns.

Councillor Eleanor Young, the authority's cabinet member for education, said: "Our family learning days are intended to help new readers find out more about the services available in the library and hopefully get them borrowing books.

"Encouraging children to read - particularly with older family members - is really important. Reading together is not only great fun, but helps children to acquire new skills and use their imaginations."