JUNIOR bookworms are leading the way in a book reading boom - thanks to a new scheme to introduce them to literature early in life.

The number of four and five-year-olds regularly borrowing books from Sandwell libraries has more than doubled in a year.

A total of 3,280 reception school age children regularly borrowed books during 2014-15, compared with only 1,620 the year before.

The Government has now announced that it wants to roll out similar schemes across the whole country.

Sandwell Council introduced the "Booktastic" scheme, which gives little ones library membership and access to free books.

And it has attracted more children into local libraries than ever before.

"Booktastic" membership packs are given to all reception age children during the new school year, with parents being urged to take advantage of it and introduce their children to books and reading as early as possible.

The campaign followed the council's Summer Reading Challenge, which rewards children for the number of books they read during the school holidays.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services, said: "Booktastic has proved to be really successful in encouraging young children to read books.

"The government is looking to introduce this scheme nationally but here in Sandwell we have a good head start on that.

"It's really important children read books from an early age to give them a good foundation for the rest of their education."

Anyone can join the library for free and details are available at www.sandwell.gov.uk/libraries.