Programme to encourage love of reading

A NEW programme is set to be launched in the Lothians to try to encourage children to develop a lifelong love of books from an early age.

East Lothian Council is launching the Scottish Book Trust's new Bookbug Early Years Programme at Longniddry Library at 10.30am next Thursday.

Following consultation with early years practitioners and parents, the trust has developed a new book gifting programme which is set to include free packs of books for babies, toddlers, three-year-olds and primary one pupils, as well as free story, song and rhyme sessions in all East Lothian Libraries.

Marc Lambert, CEO of the Scottish Book Trust, said: "It is a privilege for the trust to be able to devise and deliver a scheme of such social and educational importance."