INNOVATIVE reading schemes to encourage youngsters to become bookworms are set to be launched in Lancashire.

Nearly £200,000 has been awarded to Lancashire County Council's library service from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the Wolfson Foundation.

All library authorities in England were offered the chance to bid for £196,000. Lancashire was one of a handful of bids accepted and the cash will be used to set up so-called Smile Centres in 15 libraries in Lancashire.

Accrington, Burnley, Chorley, Clitheroe and Rawtenstall Libraries will host the facilities, which may include things such as Braille books for blind youngsters.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "The Smile Centres will organise reader development activities aimed at children and young people who have learning difficulties and will involve their families.

"The activities will be supported by the development of multi-media collections and a unique website.

"The centres will not only help develop the individual's learning capabilities but will also help them grow in confidence.

"The centres will also provide support for parents, carers and teachers.

Various organisations which deal with disabled children will be involved to make sure the Smile Centres are doing enough to help youngsters. The nine so-called Partner organisations are: Mencap, Galloways Society for the Blind, National

Library for the Blind, British Dyslexia Association, Ulverscroft Foundation, Tor View Special Needs Library, Burnley College, Lancashire Social Services and Lancashire SEN Advisory Team.

The first Smile Centres are due to open in January 2002. A second cash-winning scheme is set to be piloted in Preston. The 'Everybody's Reading' scheme will help young adults who want to improve their reading skills.

An outreach worker will work across Preston supporting groups of young adults who have difficulty reading.

If the scheme is a success and funding can be found, it may be rolled out across the county.