PRIMARY school starters are being given a helping hand by Shropshire Council this summer.

The country's libraries are supporting the Libraries Connected Ready to Learn campaign which helps children and their parents and carers prepare for starting reception class in September by exploring reading books and activities together.

The work by the libraries has been praised by Robert Macey, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for culture and digital.

He added: “There is growing evidence that libraries can help children get ‘school ready’ by providing access to a wide range of age-appropriate reading materials, hosting high-quality early years activities and promoting a positive home learning environment.

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“Shropshire’s libraries host all kinds of sessions for pre-school children including Rhyme Time and Story Time and has a range of books that can help prepare children for milestone events such as starting school, in particular the Let’s Get Ready bookbags for loan.

“During the summer our 21 libraries and three mobile services will also be taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge designed to get children of all ages engaged and actively reading books for fun.

“I would really encourage people to discover all the innovative advice and support available through our libraries service and especially those caring for pre-schoolers who are making the step up to ‘big school’ in September who can take advantage of the Let’s Get Ready bookbags.”

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To find out more about all children’s activities and the Let’s Get Ready bookbags, head to www.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/groups-and-support/children-and-young-people/