Partygoers have boosted the Canterbury Imagine book-gifting scheme in Bradford at a birthday celebration for its organiser.

Jan Winter asked for donations instead of gifts to mark her 50th birthday, and raised £325 for the scheme which is up and running on the city’s Canterbury estate.

It is affiliated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library set up by the US country singer to encourage literacy.

The project ensures that youngsters receive a free book, addressed to the child, through the post every month from birth until their fifth birthday.

A total of 24 children are taking part in the test registration ahead of it being rolled out further at an event at Canterbury Nursery School and Centre for Children and Families from 1pm on September 21.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith , will also present £1,000 from his mayoral appeal at the event.

Jan, a journalism lecturer, of Shipley , said: “My family and friends were so generous and the project is really cost-effective, so the money will fund books for more than 12 children for a whole year, which is brilliant.”

Businesses that might be able to sponsor books for a group of children are being asked to visit canterburyimagine.co.uk or email canterburyimagine@btinternet.com.