PARENTS are being encouraged to help their children dream big.

The call has been issued as the Scottish Government launches the Future Me campaign, designed as part of the Read, Write, Count early years initiative.

The aim is to encourage families to share their children’s dreams for the future.

And, to mark the launch, youngsters and their parents were able to enjoy a reading from author Simon Puttock, who won last year’s Scottish Children’s Book Award.

“I love working with children as they have such vivid imaginations,” said Simon. “It’s important that we encourage children to think and dream about the future and to realise that anything is possible if they put their mind to it.

“I knew from an early age that I wanted to write and, with the encouragement of my parents to read, I developed a love for books, illustrations and the written word.”

Future Me aims to support families to start a conversation with their children about their hopes and aspirations, which will ultimately help to improve their lives in the future.

It asks families to share those dreams, either as a picture, letter or film, on the online Future Me wall.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who is also Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, said parents and carers across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire can play a big part in helping children achieve their dreams.

He added: “The Future Me campaign is about encouraging them to talk to their children about their dreams and ambitions for the future, so they can start working to make these dreams a reality together.

“This will not only help to raise aspirations, increase attainment and deliver better outcomes, it will also provide families with ideas they can do together to build essential lifelong skills which will benefit their children, whatever they decide to do.

“I look forward to seeing the dreams of our young people throughout Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire shared on the Future Me wall.”

To get involved in the campaign, visit www.futureme.scot or pop into your local library and post an entry form in the Future Me postbox.

Each family taking part will receive a certificate and a place on the digital wall for their child.