Children under the care of Kingston Council used book vouchers given to them by the local authority during the half term break.

As part of a drive to encourage reading and an appreciation of books, 130 children were given £12 book vouchers and about 40 of them used them at an event in Kingston’s Borders on Thursday, October 29.

Book experts at the Reading Matters event advised children on book choices and organised craft activities before treating them to a free drink at Starbucks in the store.

Tim Wells, strategic manager for looked after services at Kingston Council, said: “We do all we can to encourage our children and young people to read and this event was a great opportunity for them to spend some leisurely time in a book shop, browse the shelves, enjoy themselves and come away with something new and exciting.”

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