MOOR End County Primary became the first primary school in Hyndburn to receive its "Big Book" this week.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe visited the school, in White Ash Lane, Oswaldtwistle, to present the book.

Hyndburn Council has sponsored the purchase of a number of "Big Books" for every primary school in the borough.

They will be used during literacy hour and will complement the council's involvement in a reading mentor scheme where council staff work within primary schools for one hour a week.

The council has been working with the Education Business Partnership and local primary schools for the last three months on the initiative to provide volunteer reading support in classrooms.

The big books are entitled Hullown Farm, a working farm in Fence which the children may be able to visit.

Coun Britcliffe said: "We are pleased to be involved in this scheme. Reading is such an essential skill. Members and the management team are full support a number of officers carrying out this reading mentor role. Feedback from schools and volunteers indicates the scheme is already a success."

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