READING packs for babies and toddlers will be handed out free of charge by the Big Blue Bear in CrownGate, Worcester, on Thursday.

Staff from Worcester Library will be on hand to chat to parents about membership and explain to them what's on offer at their local library.

They will help hand out Bookstart packs containing board books, nursery rhyme books and leaflets on sharing books.

Ceri Parker, children's librarian at Worcester Library, said: "Bookstart aims to bring books, babies and toddlers together. Along with Big Blue Bear, the staff will be there to give out special packs to encourage babies and toddlers in their love of books."

The Big Blue Bear will be handing out the packs between 10am and noon in CrownGate's Bell Square.