The Council's Library Service has joined a national campaign to get people reading by distributing 500 copies of new novel "The Swimmer" by TV host and author, Graham Norton.

The books will be handed out at 16 Cheshire West food banks and Cheshire Food Hub, as part of the Reading Agency's World Book Night, on Saturday 23 April.

The Library Service will join hundreds of other organisations, including libraries, prisons, schools, hospitals and homeless shelters taking part in the nationwide event.

Cheshire West and Chester Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said: "Our Library Service is so pleased to be involved in this wonderful World Book Night initiative.

"The books we are providing will also contain a handout explaining what the Council’s Library Service has to offer, including free membership, free loan of books and access to the internet."

"The Swimmer" is about what happens when a retired teacher living on the Irish coast sees a man struggling in the sea and decides to investigate.

The book is one of 26 titles selected for the World Book Night 2022 booklist. Featuring fiction, non-fiction and audiobooks for adults and young people aged 16+, the list had something to encourage everyone to pick up a book and can be seen at www.worldbooknight.org.uk/books.

World Book Night is run by The Reading Agency, a national charity that tackles life’s big challenges through the proven power of reading.

More information on libraries and their free memberships can be found at: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries.