YOUNGSTERS in Linwood received free books and other gifts in a bid to help them discover the joy of reading.

Funding from the Scottish Government meant every baby, toddler and three-year-old child in the area was given a Bookbug bag containing books by some of Scotland's favourite authors and illustrators, including Rebecca Colby, James Robertson and Kathyrn Selbert.

There are different types of books to support the children in the various areas of their development.

Babies are issued with black and white books. This is because as their eyes are developing focus, black and white books with simple lines and bold patterns are easier for babies to see. Sensory books help yound ones with visual impairments as they can touch and feel things on the pages. Scots language books encourage little ones to learn more about their native tongue.

The bags also include a selection of materials such as finger puppets and pens and pencils. And, with eco-friendliness in mind, the bags are made from recycled plastic bottles.

Scottish Book Trust manage the Bookbug programme and run in partnership with libraries, health professionals and nurseries.

The Bookbug Sessions encourage mums, dads and carers to share stories, songs and rhymes with children.