Businesses have been urged to support a new charity which provides toddlers in one of Bradford's most deprived areas with free books to help boost their communication skills by the time they start school.

Canterbury Imagine, which has become a charity, has been inspired by a scheme launched by US country and western star Dolly Parton to provide free books to youngsters every month until their fifth birthday. Its target is to sign up 1,000 children over the next five years.

The scheme has been backed by Yorkshire-based property consultancy Dunlop Heywood whose boss, Stuart Hicks, started his career as a chartered surveyor on the Canterbury estate in the early 1990s,When he heard about Canterbury Imagine and its plans to introduce a love of books to youngsters, he stepped in to help providing business acumen and financial support, and working with organiser Jan Winter in setting up the scheme. He has now become a trustee.

Dunlop Heywood has donated £1,850 to help the scheme launch as a registered charity after pledging to donate £5 for every new follower to the ‘@dunlopheywood’ Twitter account this month.

A launch party was attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Dale Smith, along with families and business and community leaders.

Canterbury Imagination Library (Bradford) is affiliated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. It helps youngsters build their own ‘library’ by sending them a free book every month until they are five.

Canterbury Imagine is the first scheme of its kind in West Yorkshire and has registered 37 children so far.

Mr Hicks said: “Canterbury Imagine is an amazing charity that costs just £2 a month per child, who registers. I hope that Dunlop Heywood’s donation is just the first of many from businesses who want to help children have the same chances and opportunities, no matter where they live.”

Scheme organiser Jan Winter said: “The beauty of this project is that it is simple but effective. In Rotherham, which introduced it five years ago, children starting school this year who have been part of the Imagination Library have shown improved scores in communication skills. Stuart’s expertise and financial backing have been a wonderful boost, and he has really helped to embed sustainability into Canterbury Imagine.

“Becoming a charity is a great step forward and I hope other businesses will sponsor books for a group of children in the Canterbury area.”

Sponsorship of £2,500 a year provides a book each month delivered by post for 100 children, or £250 provides for ten children. For more information, visit canterburyimagine.co.uk or e-mail Jan Winter at canterburyimagine@btinternet.com.