New leaf for Richard and Judy

They have helped to boost the fortunes of the book industry and launch literary stars - now Richard and Judy are aiming to get youngsters to read.

The former daytime TV hosts are to launch their own children's book club to encourage young people's enthusiasm for the printed word, as well as helping parents.

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan have teamed up with WH Smith and reading charity Booktrust to launch the scheme, designed to encourage an appreciation of books.

Organisers have chosen classic and contemporary books to engage young readers, as well as finding titles that adults should enjoy reading to their children.

The list includes one by Norwegian Jo Nesb, whose book The Snowman became a best-seller after being included in the adult version of their book club. Nesb's book Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder is included alongside The Wombles by late Elisabeth Beresford. Those are included in a "fluent reader" category; the club also has "read together" and "read yourself" sections.

To launch the club, the former This Morning hosts have been transformed into cartoon characters by illustrator Nick Diggory for the scheme's logo.

Finnigan said: "Reading from an early age is something that we always encouraged with our own children and we feel very strongly that this addition to the book club is an important and exciting one."