A library mascot is heading out to the shops to meet young readers.

Bookstart Bear will be meeting children when he goes on a tour of markets in Bradford over the next few weeks.

He was visiting Kirkgate Market yesterday and will be at the Oastler Shopping Centre on Saturday, December 21.

Bradford Council’s library staff will be reading a winter-themed story to children every hour between 10.30am and 2pm. As part of the story, children will help to decorate a tree.

Bookstart Bear will also be letting parents know how they can join the library with their children to introduce them to the world of reading. For more information about the Bookstart initiative, visit www.bradford.gov.uk/libraries.