PARENTS wanting to give their children a head start at school should reach for a book.

That was the message from Lancashire County Council as it launched the nationwide Bookstart initiative in Adlington.

County Councillor Dorothy Westell joined the Mayor of Chorley, Cllr Tom McGowan, at a launch event at Adlington library.

Bookstart provides a free pack including two books, a laminated nursery rhyme place mat, advice leaflets and details of Lancashire's library services.

Cllr Westell, chairman of the library and lifelong learning sub-committee, said: "It's never too early to spend time sharing books with babies. By spending time sharing a book with baby they will learn how books work and they will soon reach out to turn the page to find out what happens next. It really does give them a head start when they start school."