CLASSIC novel The Railway Children has been selected to be distributed to schoolchildren in Darlington.

The novel has been chosen because of the town's railway heritage and to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Thirty copies of Edith Nesbit's novel are now being distributed to all primary, infant and junior schools in the borough to prepare for the Read Feb - One Book for Darlington 2006 project.

The project is designed to encourage everyone in Darlington to read more by involving whole groups in looking at the same title.

Throughout February, pupils will have the chance to take part in art, drama and dance workshops, with work produced being displayed in Ottakar's bookshop in Darlington.

All schools taking part in the scheme have also been offered tickets to see the 1970s version of the Railway Children film at the Arts Centre.

One of the highlights of the project will be a Railway Children weekend at the Railway Museum on Saturday, February 18, and Sunday, February 19.

Library staff will be working with local reading groups to study the work.