CHILDREN are being encouraged to pick up books at as young an age as possible - and the staff at Worcester's Warndon Library reckon it should be before they reach school age.

The library, in Cranham Drive, has launched what it calls a Baby Book Crawl for children under four years old.

Each time a child borrows a book on their own library card and returns it, the library will give them a special sticker.

When they have collected four stickers they will receive a certificate, designed by a children's book illustrator.

The scheme, which is run in partnership with Worcestershire County Council and Bookstart, has been launched because research shows the earlier children begin to enjoy sharing books, the more quickly they develop their language and listening skills.