Local residents who are learning English as their second language have been gifted books to mark World Book Night.

North Somerset Council’s libraries team have worked with the North Somerset UK Resettlement team and Community Learning to give out 150 copies of The Last Summer by Karen Swan.

This accessibly written romantic novel, set on the island of St Kilda, forms part of the Quick Reads series, a World Book Night initiative aimed at promoting reading.

Copies of the book have also been gifted to North Somerset Libraries’ English Conversation Cafés in Clevedon and Portishead, where adults learning English can practise speaking in an informal setting with other learners and a tutor.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: "World Book Night is all about encouraging people to read for pleasure – a cause that North Somerset Libraries is also deeply passionate about.

"Giving books to residents who aren’t native speakers is another great example of how our libraries team are engaging with the local community, to help bring the joy of reading to as many people as possible."

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s deputy leader and executive member for children’s services, families and lifelong learning, added: "I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to give 150 books to people who don’t have English as their first language.

"As well as giving an enjoyable opportunity to improve language skills, it will foster a love of reading for pleasure."

For those interested in further services from North Somerset Libraries, sign-ups can be made in-person at local branches or online.