LIBRARIES in Bolton have been spreading the word - and book worms have been devouring them.

The town's libraries took part in the national World Book Day celebrations on Thursday.

The event aimed to promote the fun of reading among children and adults.

Thousands of free postcards were made available for people to pick up and fill in with details of their recommended reads. The completed postcards will be displayed for all library visitors to see, and, it is hoped, encourage people to read books they would not otherwise have known about.

Cllr Martyn Cox, executive member for culture, said: "Every year World Book Day proves to be an extremely popular event. This year it's great that the scope has been widened and that "spread the word" is aimed at all age groups.

"If you've recently read a book that you think is fantastic, why not recommend it to others? This is your chance to recommend books you love or to read those that others love."