A NEW scheme to help preschool children find out about the power of books and reading is being supported in North Yorkshire.

Malton and Norton Lions Club helped found the first Sherburn Imagination Library, an initiative based on an original idea from country star Dolly Parton in the US.

The scheme, sponsored by Penguin, provides each registered under 5 year old with a free new book each month for parents to read to their child and enjoy together, and has been set up locally by Amber Botham, leader of the 1st Sherburn Rainbows and Brownies to build a love of books and enhance literacy in the under-fives.

Amber said: "Research has show that reading to pre-school children and encouraging an enjoyment of books and reading has a significant impact on a child's educational success when the go into full time education.

"The Imagination Library allows access to books for all irrespective of income and aims to bring parents and children closer through a shared activity to develop a love of reading."

Malton and Norton Lions donated £500 towards running costs, which will help with the purchase and distribution of books to the children signed up to the scheme, and if it is successful, Amber said she hoped to expand the scheme to other Ryedale communities.

She said: "Many smaller communities have no access to library services and the Imagination Library will provide access to books for young readers that they might otherwise miss out on until they go to school. We are grateful to Malton and Norton Lions for their support which will make a real difference to the lives of pre-school children in the area."

Steve Sidaway, Lions Youth Liaison officer, said: "Malton and Norton Lions are delighted to support this innovative new scheme in Ryedale and look forward to the project going from strength to strength supporting young children in Ryedale."