FREE books and activity sheets are to be given to more than 1,000 families across the Bradford District.

The initiative, Doorstep to Digital, is designed to support children's literacy development and their mental wellbeing.

Packs will be distributed via schools, house drops, community and partner organisations and by post.

Materials are being developed for children in early years and key stages one, two and three.

Each pack will include books, age-appropriate family activity sheets, and resources to support curriculum learning.

Also, there'll be an option for parents to access one-to-one support.

Behind the project is the Bradford Stories campaign, from the National Literacy Trust.

Funding is being provided through a £100,000 donation from the Barclays Covid-19 Community Aid Package, which is supporting communities hit hardest by the impact of the pandemic.

The programme was piloted in Bradford during the first lockdown, to help families in need when they were cut off from schools and libraries and had limited access to resources.

Jason Vit, for the National Literacy Trust, said: "Reading can support children and young people’s wellbeing, ignite their imagination and inspire them to dream big and think positively about the future.

"Sharing a love of books and discussing them as a family is valuable for children’s futures.

"These packs will encourage families experiencing the greatest disadvantage to read and talk more, supporting their children’s learning in ways that do not require internet access or expensive or specialist equipment.

"The Doorstep to Digital project is a gateway to the hardest-to-reach families and will enable us to build parents' confidence to support literacy at home. We thank Barclays for its backing of our vital work dedicated to improving the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills of those who need help most, giving children the best chance of success."

Barclays chair, Nigel Higgins, said: "Our charity partners have been working tirelessly to support vulnerable communities across the UK through what has been a difficult couple of years. These charities have championed a range of causes – including tackling homelessness, food poverty and loneliness – and we are immensely grateful for their efforts in the communities in which we live and work.

"Whilst we're now emerging from the crisis, the effects of the pandemic will continue to be felt by many. Our decision to extend our programme reflects this, allowing Barclays to support 250 UK grassroots charities in their crucial work in communities."