Sandwell Council has revealed thousands of children across Blackheath, Oldbury, Cradley Heath and Rowley Regis have received free books.

Over 12,500 Bookstart packs were handed out as every baby in Sandwell between the age of nine and twelve months received a pack of books last year.

By the age of four, all children should have received three Bookstart packs – the Bookstart Baby pack between nine and twelve months, Bookstart Plus between 18 and 30 months, and My Treasure Chest by the time they are four.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for culture and leisure Councillor Linda Horton said: “To get so many books out to so many children is a wonderful achievement for our library and information service.

“We would like to do even better this year to ensure every single child in the borough has access to good quality books and resources that they can keep, giving them the best possible start in life.”

For more information parents and carers should speak to their health visitor or visit their local library or children’s centre.