A LITERACY charity is helping to inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Canterbury Imagine, based in Bradford, has funded more than 124,000 free books to under-fives since it began in 2012.
The charity affiliates to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and inspired by Dolly, the charity believes literacy is a way out of poverty.
Founder Jan Winter, said: "Almost 60 children experienced the magic of storytelling during the day, with 20 adults climbing on board with the youngsters too.
"And they also each went home with a free magazine to enjoy as they continue their journey.
"Thanks to JCT600 for their brilliant support for Canterbury Imagine.
"The children receiving books today will be the workforce of the future in the district and beyond."
Canterbury Imagine, based in Bradford, has funded more than 124,000 free books (Image: Supplied)
The charity helps families build a home library by sending each child a free, age-appropriate book every month.
Currently, almost 500 children in parts of Little Horton (BD5 and BD7) and the entire Manningham ward are enrolled in the scheme.
Children can receive up to 60 books by their fifth birthday, and research shows that this early exposure has a lasting impact on their development.
In a recent celebration of reading, Canterbury Imagine teamed up with the National Literacy Trust’s Bradford Stories Bus to deliver a day of storytelling in Little Horton.
The bus stopped at the Park Lane Centre and Canterbury Nursery School, welcoming children, parents, carers, and childcare staff aboard for story sessions.
The event was funded through a £10,000 grant from JCT600’s Driving Brighter Futures fund, administered by Give Bradford.
The funding supports Canterbury Imagine’s work in Little Horton and covers books, events, and storytelling activities for under-fives.
The charity also hopes to expand its reach into the Holme Wood area.
A spokesperson for the charity said: "Since Dolly Parton’s passing last month, there has been an extraordinary outpouring of love, gratitude and support from people around the world and an awareness of the positive effects of the imagination library on many areas of children’s development."
Parents can check their child’s eligibility for the free book programme by visiting imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability.
More information about Canterbury Imagine and its work can be found HERE.