A NEW scheme to introduce pre-school children to a love of books - dreamt up by a country music legend - is being supported by Malton and Norton Lions Club.

The 1st Sherburn Imagination Library, based on an original idea by Dolly Parton in the US, has been set up by Amber Botham, leader of the 1st Sherburn Rainbows and Brownies, as well as members of the unit.

The scheme, supported by Penguin, provides each registered under-fives with a free new book each month for parents to read to their child in a bid to build a love of books and enhance literacy.

Ms Botham said: “Research has show that reading to pre-school children and encouraging an enjoyment of books and reading has a significant impact on a child’s educational success when the go into full-time education.

"The Imagination Library allows access to books for all, irrespective of income, and aims to bring parents and children closer through a shared activity to develop a love of reading.”

Malton and Norton Lions are supporting the scheme by donating £500 towards running costs, which will help with the purchase and distribution of books to the children signed up to the scheme.

If successful, Ms Botham intends to expand the scheme to other Ryedale communities such as the villages of Ganton and Heslerton.

She said: “Many smaller communities have no access to library services and the Imagination Library will provide access to books for young readers that they might otherwise miss out on until they go to school.

“We are grateful to Malton and Norton Lions for their support which will make a real difference to the lives of pre-school children in the area.”

Lions Youth Liaison officer Steve Sidaway said: “Malton and Norton Lions are delighted to support this innovative new scheme in Ryedale and look forward to the project going from strength to strength supporting young children in Ryedale.”

For more information about the scheme, phone Amber Botham on 07949180846 or email a.groberts@hotmail.com