A BURNLEY footballer is spearheading a campaign to get more children reading.

Wade Elliott has been named as Burnley libraries' reading hero for March, as part of an initiative to encourage young football fans to foster an interest in books.

Wade was named the club's official player of the year for last season and is steadily accumulating honours both on and off the field.

Asked about his love of reading, he said: "It lets people share their stories and experiences - it can be educational and can fire the imagination and open your mind to different ways of thinking."

One of Wade's favourite reads has been the inspirational autobiography of American cycling legend Lance Armstrong, entitled It's Not About The Bike.

He was gripped by Armstrong's battle against testicular cancer, on a "professional and personal level". Wadesaid: "Reading can open your mind to other people's point of view and ways doing things."

"It is also a good form of escapism and it can be relaxing to switch off from your day by reading about different situations and ways of life."

Club sources say that on away trips you are more likely to find Wade with his nose in a book than leafing through the papers or involved in card schools.

And the former Bournemouth talent puts the reading habit down to the support of his extended family.

"My family has been my biggest influence, in reading. I always had someone around to help me, be it my mum, dad, aunties, uncles and grandparents, so I am lucky to have had that support."

The Southampton-born 29-year-old is a former schoolboy international and signed for Burnley in the 2005 close-season.