Alesha Dixon backs free book scheme

A singer, children's author and television presenter is backing a new scheme in Walsall offering free books to families to boost literacy and life chances.

Alesha Dixon is supporting the launch of a "Library of No Returns", where children can take books home to keep.

The initiative, led by Experian in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, will be based in Walsall, an area identified as having lower literacy rates. Organisers said the project aimed to remove barriers to book ownership and encourage a lifelong love of reading among children and families.

The launch event on Thursday will include activities for families and community groups.

Organisers said improving access to books could help support long-term opportunities and financial resilience.

Further book drops are planned in other parts of the UK with similar levels of need.

Organisers said the scheme was designed to give more children access to books and help tackle inequalities in literacy across the country.

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