A whopping 35,000 books have been distributed to 1,645 children under the age of five by Wheatley Foundation.

This was made possible by the partnership with country music legend Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

This project by the singer sends a carefully selected book free of charge to children under five, every month until their fifth birthday.

Ms Parton said: “You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children."

The books are offered to tenants living in Wheatley Homes located in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dumfries and Galloway.

Glasgow resident, Nicole Cassell, 27, from Toryglen, said her four-year-old daughter, Carys, cherishes receiving her books in the mail.

She said: "We’ve been getting the books ever since she was born, and she looks forward to it.

"She’s got her own bookshelf and gets really excited about getting her new book every month.

"It’s also really helped with bonding as I read her a book every night at bedtime.

"It’s been really good."

Paddy Gray OBE, chair professor of Wheatley Foundation, said: “It’s phenomenal how many children aged five and under have been able to access a free book every month through this partnership.

“The feedback we get from parents and guardians is really positive. Their children love the books and look forward to receiving them.”

The books are available to any child, under the age of five who resides in a Wheatley home.

Those who want to register their children are encouraged to contact their housing officer for further details.

In recognition of World Book Day, youngsters are being encouraged to immerse themselves in reading and have fun while doing it.

This year’s campaign comes after research by the National Literacy Trust found that fewer than half of children enjoy reading, representing the lowest level since 2005, particularly concerning disadvantaged children.