WEST Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has joined other members of parliament in Westminster to spread the joy of reading and celebrate the annual World Book Day project.
The MP was briefed that nearly one million children in the UK do not own a book and, this year, schoolchildren have been issued with £1 tokens that can be exchanged for a book of their choice to keep.
Dame Harriett said: “Reading is such an important part of any child’s development, and I know as a grandparent and having visited many local primary schools whilst being an MP that children benefit greatly when they find reading fun.
“By getting children to engage with books that interest them from a young age, we can encourage them to kickstart a lifelong passion for reading.
“I take great pleasure from reading stories to my grandchildren and I hope that households across West Worcestershire will be inspired to take part in World Book Day either at school or at home.”
The chief executive of World Book Day, Cassie Chadderton, explained that this year’s campaign encourages everyone to let go of pressure and expectations to give children the choice and chance to enjoy reading.
She added: “We’re delighted to have Dame Harriett’s support to unlock the fun of reading for more children.”
