A MAN whose simple idea has made reading more fun for young children has given a talk on his invention in Darlington.

Neil Griffiths, who invented Storysacks, was at the town's Arts Centre as part of a celebration day held by the Darlington Storysacks Association.

Mr Griffiths, a former headteacher in Swindon, now tours the country giving talks on the benefits of the concept, which features sacks containing materials, games and toys to help bring books to life.

His idea was taken up by the Basic Skills Agency, which agreed to sponsor him to help encourage primary schools, nurseries and playgroups to use Storysacks.

Mr Griffiths said: "Darlington was one of the first authorities to contact me when the project started and their response has been inspirational."

The Darlington association is the only Storysacks charity in the country and now has about 200 sacks which it lends to schools and playgroups without charge.

Karen Cunningham, co-ordinator of the association, said: "When you think of the amount of work that goes into producing one sack, reaching 200 is quite an achievement.