Babies as young as eight months old are being given books in a new scheme launched yesterday.

The scheme is being organised by Brighton and Hove Council, along with South Downs Health NHS Trust with help from the Book Trust and sponsorship from Sainsburys.

Under it, health visitors will issue board books to parents when they bring their babies for check-ups, along with invaluable advice on how to get young children interested in books and stories.

Lead libraries councillor Jackie Lythell told those present at the scheme's launch at Brighton central library: "This is an important gift. It has been especially designed to introduce children to the pleasures of reading and their local library from the earliest possible age."

Up to 3,000 babies are expected to receive the special pack this year, which encourages parents to take their young children with them to libraries.

Coun Lythell added that story tapes and videos were also available under the scheme, along with the opportunity to get low-cost internet access.

The councillor, who is vice chairman of the health trust, said: "Using books with these babies promotes the special time parents spend with their children, bringing benefits to the whole family."

Lead early years councillor Gill Mitchell said: "Research has proved that using books with very young children gives them a better start educationally."