A new council backed programme to get more children reading has got underway in Tower Hamlets.

The programme was launched on Monday, September 30 at the Idea Store, in Whitechapel Road and offers a host of groups and activities for young people to do with their parents, after school and on the weekend.

Children can also sign up to make a pledge to ensure they get the most from the programme.

Tower Hamlets council has five Idea Stores in the borough including Bow, Canary Wharf and Watney Market, which opened earlier this year.

Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman said: “I am delighted to support the newly revamped children’s offer.

“Reading is a great way for children to develop their literacy skills.

“It is important to nurture the importance of reading at a young age and our Idea Stores makes it fun and easy to achieve.”

Cllr Rania Khan, cabinet member for culture, added: “I am thrilled with our new programme for children, which has reading at its heart.

“In Idea Stores we love books and stories and are determined that all children in Tower Hamlets grow up to enjoy reading.

“That’s not just because it will bring them success but because reading enriches lives too.”

To find out more about the services available visit www.ideastore.co.uk.