A MOBILE library has received recognition from an unexpected source, following a plea for help from Volgograd, in Russia.

Stockton library services stepped in when a request for help in setting up a Bookbus scheme arrived by e-mail from Andrey Lisitskiy, the head of information and analysis in cultural affairs in the city of Volgograd.

Mr Lisitskiy has accepted an invitation to visit Stockton with his colleague Oleg Kovalchouk to see how the Bookbus scheme works, with the intention of developing a similar programme in Russia.

Andrea Barker, head of cultural services at Stockton Borough Council, said: "We were surprised to receive a request from as far away as Russia but we were delighted to be able to help.

"As soon as they had made initial contact we set about trying to arrange a visit and it is wonderful they are coming to Stockton to see the Bookbus and the library service for themselves."

The Bookbus was commissioned in 1997. It is a mobile library which visits residential and nursing homes and day centres. It is also adapted for wheelchair access