More than 2,600 children in East Renfrewshire have received free books as part of a Scottish Government scheme.

The First Minister's Read Write Count programme aims to raise attainment by encouraging families to include fun and easy reading, writing, and counting activities in their everyday lives.

During Book Week Scotland, the Scottish Book Trust distributes Read, Write, Count bags, which contain two books, to Primary 2 and Primary 3 pupils across the country.

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Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur, of the SNP, said: "I welcome these new figures which reveal 2,641 children in East Renfrewshire have received free books from the Scottish Book Trust, thanks to the First Minister's Read Write Count programme, which is helping to encourage a new generation of readers.

"Books can open any number of doors for young people and is a love that will stay with them their whole lives; however, we know that too many children in Renfrewshire South will not have easy access to books at home –a problem that will only have been exacerbated by the Westminster cost of living crisis.

"From Baby Boxes to the Scottish Child Payment and Best Starts Grants - initiatives like the First Minister's Read Write Count programme are helping to give every child across Scotland and in Renfrewshire South the best start in life they can have."