YOUNGSTERS from a Darwen primary school were treated to a bus ride to the town’s library, where they discovered the wonders of reading, storytelling and learned about the history of Darwen transport.

The Friends of Darwen Library invited 21 children from the reception class at St Barnabas’ Primary School on the vintage Darwen bus, where teacher Rebecca Ham read them the story of the Naughty Bus.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The project, a pilot intended to lead to more of the events involving schools, aims to encourage children to use the refurbished children’s library.

Next year, it is hoped the 15 schools in Darwen will be able to visit the library to take up a reading challenge, listen to a professional story teller and watch a Punch and Judy show.

Mrs Ham said: “The children really enjoyed the ride on the bus and visiting the children’s library.

“It is important to learn to read early, be inspired by storytelling and children literature.

“We are encouraging parents to join the library and take part in a reading challenge.”