AN extension to a scheme encouraging youngsters to read from an early age has been launched in Northallerton.

Bookstart Plus provides free bags of books to children between the age of two and two- and-a-half.

At Northallerton library yesterday, children from local nursery Looby Lou joined in the celebration when local parents received their packs from county councillor John Fort.

The scheme is part of the Bookstart project funded by the Government and managed nationally by the charity Booktrust.

Locally, the county council's Bookstart is delivered through a partnership between library and information services, Early Years services, and the primary health care trusts.

In North Yorkshire, babies have been receiving Bookstart bags at nine months since 1999 and the scheme has been so successful around the country that the Government has agreed to fund the cost of the packs for the next three years for all children under five.

Coun Fort said: "Bookstart opens up new opportunities for children by giving every child access to books and a love of reading and learning. Local services are working together to make sure that every child benefits form this important scheme."

The free Bookstart and Bookstart Plus packs are being distributed via local health visitors to children aged nine to 12 months and 24 to 30 months.

Parents and carers with queries about the scheme are asked to contact the Children's Information Centre on 0845 6011 630, or ask at their local library.