Initiative encourages children to pick up a book (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Initiative encourages children to pick up a book

SWINDON children are being encouraged to develop a love of reading as part of a national scheme developed by two charities dedicated to promoting literature.

The National Literacy Trust's Reading Is Fundamental initiative has teamed up with the WH Smith Trust in a bid to get 2,500 children across Britain reading during the summer holidays.

Children visiting volunteer-led schemes in 15 locations around the UK, including Swindon, are able to choose and keep two free books and receive a reading-related goodie bag.

They are also encouraged to participate in a range of activities including storytelling, teddy bear picnics, treasure hunts and sports activities assisted by staff from WH Smith stores.

Sarah Durham, from the WH Smith Trust, said: "We are delighted to be working with Reading Is Fundamental on the summer reading programme, which is so closely aligned to our aim to support education and lifelong learning.''

Lis Coulthard, director of Reading Is Fundamental, said: "The partnership with the WH Smith Trust has enabled us maintain the profile of reading through the long summer holiday and demonstrate what a fun activity it can be.''

The WH Smith Charitable Trust is an independent charity that aims to support the local community in which WHSmith staff and customers live and work and to support education and lifelong learning.

Reading Is Fundamental is an initiative of the National Literacy Trust that helps children and young people to realise their potential by motivating them to read.

For more information about the work of the charity visit the website at www.rif.org.uk