IF you thought that policemen looked younger, you should have gone along to Bispham Library for the launch of a new book scheme.

There they're getting books at the aged of NINE MONTHS!

The BookStart reading scheme aims to feed the minds of toddlers using an assortment of interesting words and colourful pictures.

Parents of very young children are being handed a free BookStart pack, containing two picture books.

The modern-look gift pack comes in a handy canvas bag and features books, advice and tips on reading as well as information about the town's library facilities.

The new initiative is co-ordinated by Blackpool Borough Council and headed by the independent book charity, Book Trust.

Supermarket giant, Sainsbury's, have sponsored the national scheme and donated a staggering £6million to the event.

Blackpool's executive member for Education and Libraries, councillor Eddie Collett, has backed the new initiative, which aims to encourage reading from an early age.

He said: "The innovative scheme encourages parents and children to read and look at pictures together, which helps develop a close strong bond between mothers, fathers and their children.

"This is an opportunity for mums and dads to share the wonder and amazement toddlers feel when they see unusual shapes and colours in their first picture book."

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