BARBERS and hairdressers were encouraged to get children to read to them while getting a back to school haircut to boost literacy in the city.

Umar Khatab Khokar, hairdresser at Tabby’s Trims on Thornton Road in Girlington, supported the Bradford Literacy Campaign by getting children popping in for a back to school trim to read a book while in their chair.

Children’s books provided by the Bradford Literacy Campaign are available at the barber's for children to entertain their stylists, and other barbers are being encouraged to get involved to get children reading.

Mr Khokar said “I’m supporting the Bradford Literacy Campaign because I believe that reading is important for a child’s education. Getting a haircut is a good opportunity for kids to practice reading aloud and I encourage other barbers and hair salons to get kids reading too.”

The campaign was set up to improve literacy in the district.

Imran Hafeez, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford said: “This shows how books can liven up something as everyday as getting a haircut. The Bradford Literacy Campaign is all about getting businesses, organisations and service providers to address the shared responsibility of low literacy levels in the community, so I’m really pleased that this Bradford business is on board and I hope others are inspired too.”