A GIANT children's book festival is coming to town along with puppeteers and creative arts.

Up to 5,000 youngsters are expected to attend the big event which runs from June 11 to 24 in Bury and Bolton.

The aim is to promote the enjoyment of books, illustration, poetry and reading, and children will be able to work with authors and illustrators.

Councillor Siobhan Costello, arts and culture spokesman, said: "We want to give our youngsters the opportunity for wider reading and to improve their literacy. "The festival should allow libraries and schools to build strong links. Most of all, it will be about having fun and giving children a chance to find out what is available at our libraries."

The festival will be mainly for invited parties of schoolchildren although family events are also planned.

Most venues are accessible to wheelchairs, with staff trained to help those with physical, sight or hearing disabilities.

Sessions include animated reading for infants and "Tickle, Bounce and Fun" rhyme time sessions for parents and toddlers.

Older children can take part in number fun sessions, creative crafts and puppetry. There are other events for teachers.

Alison Davies, assistant librarian, hoped that 5,000 children would attend the events, which will take place across the borough.

"Youngsters will be encouraged to have a go at creative reading and writing as a follow-up to events," she said.

"School parties will visit libraries to attend sessions by authors, illustrators, storytellers and craft workers. Both authorities will be hosting family events and early evening workshops for teachers."

For more details, contact Alison on 253 5864.