NEWCASTLE United midfielder Kieron Dyer helped kick off a new venture designed to get more adults reading for World Book Day today.

Hundreds of thousands of adults in the North-East and North Yorkshire struggle to read and write, and many more do not take the time to read.

To combat this, a new range of easy-to-read and accessible books are being published today.

The Quick Reads are fiction and non-fiction, are no longer than 128 pages, cost £2.99 and cover a range of genres.

One of the books has been produced by the Premier League. Sportswriter Mick Dennis spoke to people from all aspects of top-flight football to paint a colourful behind-the-scenes picture of the beautiful game.

The Team has a foreword by Manchester United legend Eric Cantona and interviews with Liverpool's Jamie Carragher, referee Steve Bennett, Charlton manager Alan Curbishley, among others.

Twelve Quick Reads are published today and a further ten will be released in May.

Alongside the books, more than five million £1 vouchers are being distributed to adult learners to encourage them to get started on one of the books.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "Being able to read and use language effectively is critical to getting on in life, learning and work."

Meanwhile, pupils from Barnard Castle Preparatory School, in County Durham, have been taking part in a quiz to mark World Book Day.

The half-term challenge was designed to encourage youngsters to use libraries under their own initiative to find the answers. A book fair was also held along with a bookmark-making contest.

Headteacher Ted Haslam said: "Hopefully, by encouraging children to pick up a book they will develop a love of reading."

Adults wanting information about free literacy courses in the area can call 0800 100 900.