AN Erskine school has been handed free books, courtesy of supermarket giant Morrisons.

The donation to Bargarran Primary was made by the Morrisons Foundation to mark World Book Day.

A recent study conducted by the National Literacy Trust shows reading has been vital for children during the ongoing lockdown.

Results found that 59% of kids said reading during lockdown made them feel better and 32% said it helped them when they felt sad about not being able to see their family and friends.

Elspeth Roxburgh, community champion at the Morrisons store in Erskine, delivered the books to Bargarran Primary.

She said: “I’m so proud to be helping kids in my community through this donation of books.

“We are living through challenging times and I hope these stories will give children at Bargarran Primary some fun.”

Jennifer Thompson, principal teacher at Bargarran Primary, said everyone at the school is very grateful to Morrisons for the new books.

She added: “It is very important that we have strong community links.”

The Erskine school is one of almost 500 across Scotland, England and Wales to receive books from the retail giant.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage children to discover a love of reading.

Over the last three years, Morrisons has donated around 20,000 books to communities.

Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “We were proud to join forces with the Morrisons Foundation to provide thousands of books to children who need them most this World Book Day.

“Books have the power to change children’s life stories and the books provided through this fantastic initiative will also provide inspiration and comfort during this continued time of uncertainty.”