UP TO 12,000 babies and toddlers in London’s East End have been given free book packs from public libraries to get them started off as early readers in life. Tower Hamlets wants to sign up toddlers at any age to join a local library

+++

UP TO 12,000 babies and toddlers in London's East End have been given free book packs from public libraries to get them started off as early readers in life.

Tower Hamlets could have the brightest babies around, the Town Hall is hoping, by signing up toddlers at any age to join a local library.

Reading material was sent to 90 per cent of eligible tots in Tower Hamlets for the launch of last week's National Bookstart Day.

Toddlers from Mowlem children's centre were taken for an outing to Bethnal Green's famous Museum of Childhood for the launch.

They listened to stories read by soccer star Garry Lineker's new wife Danielle (pictured) and joined in a lively rhyme time session.

Bookstart is a national programme encouraging mums and dads to read books with children from as early an age as possible.

Books have been given out by Tower Hamlets public libraries to children around eight months, 18 months and three years, along with guidance materials for parents.