Young children are being encouraged to start 2014 with a rhyme.

Bradford Council's Libraries Service has set a challenge for the new year, following the success of this year’s Bookstart Rhyme Challenge, which 160 families took part in.

Up to 4,000 pre-school age children are expected to take part in the new challenge, which will involve learning five rhymes.

The challenge runs from January to March. The first sessions are on the following dates: January 6, at 2.30pm at Burley Library; January 17, at 10am at Wyke Library; January 22, at 10am at Shipley Library; January 30, at 2pm at Clayton Library; February 3, at 10.30am at Holme Wood Library; February 8, at 10.30am at Ilkley Library; February 11, at 10.30am at Bingley Library; February 15, at 10.30am at Menston Library; February 22, at 11am at Keighley Library; February 18, at 2.30pm at Thornton Library and March 5, at 10am at City Library.

Bookstart Bear will visit the libraries at their final session.

The challenge will also take place in toddler groups, private day nurseries and children's centres.

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive member for children's services, said: “It has been proven that great rhymers become great readers.”