YOUNGSTERS at a Bradford nursery school were recently treated to a special gift, with a free book for every child.

The idea came from the Bradford literacy charity Canterbury Imagine, which aims to help to improve literacy, emotional development, educational attainment and life chances by providing a free book through the post every month from birth until the child’s fifth birthday.

Organiser Jan Winter teamed up with two national charities which supplied about 200 free books to Midland Road nursery in Manningham for this summer's Eid celebration.

The picture books were donated by The Siobhan Dowd Trust and Give A Book, two charities which were set up by two authors for the proceeds of their work to fund book-giving projects with the aim of helping children and adults enjoy reading.

Mrs Winter said: “The 1,300 children registered with our scheme in Bradford are already developing a love of books and reading which will help them to be ready for school and pay dividends in later life. We are so thankful to these two charities for supplying free books at this special time of celebration.

“Having books in the home is so important and enjoyable.”

Canterbury Imagine is appealing for business sponsorship and for people interested in books, such as book groups, to pledge to give £2 a month via the charity’s website at canterburyimagine.co.uk.