UNDER-fives across Keighley will continue to receive support with their reading thanks to a £1.2 million funding boost.

The Arts Council of England cash will finance the Book Trust's ongoing work in the Bradford district, through the popular Bookstart scheme, for a further four years.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's executive member for environment, sport and culture, said the funding was "great news".

She added: "It's important that children develop a love of books from an early age.

"Bookstart – which is overseen by the library service in our authority – has in the last year given away 28,000 books via libraries, children's centres and health visitors.

"They are also gifted an additional 8,000 black and white books to newborn babies. These books stimulate babies' vision and are easier for them to focus on."

Last month, National Bookstart Week celebrated its 25th anniversary and more than 30 events took place at libraries, museums and health centres throughout the district.

Bookstart aims to donate a free reading pack to all children in England and Wales during their first year of life and again when they are three or four years old.