WIND IN THE WILLOWS

TOAD and his pals will be doing their best to promote the National Year of Reading when they arrive at Dillington House, Ilminster, Somerset, on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 October 2008.

The Wind in the Willows characters are a little peeved that many British youngsters spend large amounts of their time on their computers, yet so little reading.

So they are stepping out of the pages of Kenneth Grahame's classic children's novel which is 100 years old this year.

Hundreds of youngsters from Somerset's schools have been invited to Dillington, the county's leading conferencing and adult education centre, to enjoy two days of events to promote the enjoyment of reading, the use of libraries and encourage volunteers to come forward to read to children.

Toad, arrogant as ever, will have the use of a limo from Hayne's Motor Museum, along with a replica of a Romany caravan.

Fox, Mole and Ratty will chat to visitors in Dillington's gardens and woods.

The event is funded by Somerset County Council, and its staff will be helping the characters run it.

Sarah Cook, senior primary literacy consultant for Somerset county council said:

“The aim is to promote the fun and enjoyment in reading. So many youngsters now turn on their computers and enjoy the visual aspect of that, which is fine. But there is so much to be gained from reading too.

“We hope the two days in a beautiful location, with the characters an workshops will also help spread the word about the wonderful library system which is available to all and encourage people to sign up as reading volunteers because so many children don't have adults at home to read to them which deprives them of so much .”