PRIMARY schools in Bolton are among 185 in Greater Manchester to have been randomly picked to receive free copies of a new childrens book to encourage reading.

Author Jo Marsden is sending out more than 2,000 free copies of her new book Hoo Ha house to primary schools in the UK.

The selected schools will receive a complimentary copy of the book accompanied by an activity pack for Year One pupils.

Hoo Ha House is the introductory story in a series which follows the Hoo Has - household objects - as they save their magical home from demolition.

The book is aimed at three to six year-olds, and a child-friendly website has also been created with free activity downloads for parents and teachers at www.hoohahouse.com