READING initiatives in Burnley are relying on both parents and Clarets to demonstrate the wonder of words for the under-fives.

Mums and dads have been lined up at both Reedley Hallow and South West Burnley children's centre as part of the Early Words Together programme.

Supported by the National Literacy Trust (NLT), the initiative focuses on two to five-year-olds being given a helping hand with reading and forming sentences at home.

And over six weeks at the Barden Lane and Tay Street venues, it is hoped that youngsters will develop a life-long affinity with books, stories, rhymes and songs, with expert intervention.

Under the guidance of volunteers trained by the trust the scheme, which costs £3,500 a time to deliver, can deliver results for dozens of families at a time.

Cllr Bea Foster, the borough council's cabinet member for leisure and culture, said that a number of partners were involved in the Reedley Hallows and South West Burnley hosted projects.

"The second cohort will be delivered in April and May in Burnley Wood and Ightenhill children's centres," she added.

"We are also working with Burnley Football Club to progress the delivery of the Premier League Reading Stars programme."

Once again promoted by the NLT, striker Lukas Jutkiewicz is Burnley FC's nominated champion.

The 26-year-old former Southampton forward has set three literacy challenges for young competitors, at varying degrees of difficulty, from 'professional', through 'world class' to 'legendary', based around the Horrid Henry books and Roald Dahl childhood tales.

He said: "I think it is really important for young kids to get into reading. You can be creative with it, and it can lead encourage children to get into writing.

"For me it is a really good hobby which enables me to relax outside of football."

He has cited both the Harry Potter series of books and John Steinbeck's Winter Of Our Discontent among his favourite personal reads.