BOOK detectives have been investigating which books are the best.

Youngsters from St Stephen's Kearsley Moor have taken up the case as book detectives as part of the BBC Big Read UK, and their mission will involve them questioning friends, families and teachers about books and reading habits.

Their findings will form part of a national celebration of books and reading, culminating in a BBC 2 series this autumn, featuring the top ten books.

Heather Brandon, Chief Executive of the Volunteer Reading Help, which is supporting the project said: "Ensuring that reading is fun is our aim and it is wonderful to think that, when the top books are revealed on television, 8,000 formerly "book-shy" children will know that they have played an active part."

More VRH reading helpers are needed in Bolton. Anyone who can spare time to help a child to read, or would like to support the charity can visit www.vrh.org.uk or call 0845 601 4008 and ask for an information pack.

Armed with Book Detective Notebooks and guided by a special Agent (the volunteer reading helper who comes to school each week for one-to-one book time)

ON THE CASE: Eight-year-old Lewis Robey of St Stephen's Kearsley Moor School checks out a book as part of his detective work