TOTS near Chester-le-Street now have their own library, complete with toys, 'bug seats' and a range of new books.

The Early Years section of Pelton Library was opened on Tuesday, after the existing area was given an overhaul with the help of Sure Start Chester-le-Street, an agency for pre-school children and their families.

It has been kitted out with furniture on an animal theme, toys and a new range of books. One of the aims behind the revamp is that it will encourage more families to read regularly with young children.

It was opened with the help of the library's youngest member, five-month-old Michael Best and Kaitlin Perry, four, whose logo design was picked for the Sure Start branch in a competition with nearby schools.

Children from local nurseries were invited to the launch to try out the library.

Tracy Edwards-Grey from Sure Start said: "We've revamped one section with a nice, soft sofa, so parents can have a snuggle with their children and read a story with them, or little ones can now play with toys while their parents look at the books.

"Libraries aren't these dead, silent places anymore.