A CHARITY which aims to improve literacy by funding free books for under-fives has registered its 500th baby on the Bradford estate where it began.

Canterbury Imagine began on Bradford’s Canterbury estate in 2012, and its 500th registration was six month-old Subhan Mohammed.

Youngsters receive a free book through the post every month from birth until their fifth birthday, building up their own ‘library’ of up to 60 quality books.

Subhan’s mum, Stacey Butterfield, 27, described the scheme’s success as ‘amazing.’ “When you have a little one, it’s nice time I can spend with him, reading a book,” she said.

“There are so many benefits from reading to your child.”