Almost 10,000 children will receive a free book as part of a regional daily’s new reading campaign.

Stoke-based daily The Sentinel has announced the giveaway as part of its Our Big Read campaign.

Every pupil in reception, Year 1 or Year 2 in Stoke-on-Trent will receive a copy of Silly Suzy Goose, the best-selling story by Peter Horacek.

The initiative is sponsored by Staffordshire University, and is also being backed by reading charity Beanstalk, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council and child language initiative Stoke Speaks Out.

The newspaper is running a series of articles on the working going on in schools across Stoke to improve child literacy in the city.

It follows on from a similar campaign run last year.

Sentinel editor-in-chief Martin Tideswell said: “This is what we, as a newspaper, are all about: Community; family; aspiration.

“The gift of a love of reading is precious and so important in Stoke-on-Trent at this time.”

Jim Pugh, head of Staffordshire University’s school of education, said: “We are delighted to be part of Our Big Read for a second year, to help ignite children’s passion for books and reading.

“”Literacy skills are vital for young people’s development and can unlock so many opportunities.

“As a key player in the community of Stoke-on-Trent, it is Staffordshire University’s responsibility to support future generations.”