LIBRARIES in Preston and Leyland have scooped a cash award to help local children improve their reading skills.

The award, won by the county council's library service, means both Preston and Leyland libraries will receive a share of the £196,000, from the Government's department of culture, media and sport, to set up 15 new 'smile centres' across the county.

The new centres will be aimed at children and young people with learning difficulties, to help them develop their reading skills. Activities will be helped by new multi-media equipment and a website.