A daily newspaper has launched an appeal to help distribute books to children this Christmas via food banks.

Scottish daily The Herald is teaming up with the Scottish Book Trust to deliver books to disadvantaged families.

Editor Catherine Salmond launched the appeal to readers in an editorial yesterday in which she spoke of the impact which books had on her as a child.

Reader donations will go towards gifting books to families who need them most through food banks and community hubs.

The Herald and Scottish Book Trust Christmas appeal logo (Image: The Herald)

Wrote Catherine: “Today, we have a special ask of you as we launch our Christmas appeal, joining forces with Scottish Book Trust to ensure children across our country get a new book of their own this year.

“I, much like you I hope, have irreplaceable memories of reading as a child; of being read to, of stories and picture books that shaped my childhood, through to my teenage years.

“For me, my imagination was fuelled by the works of Shirley Hughes, of Allan and Janet Ahlberg, Roald Dahl, Michelle Magorian, Judy Blume and Sue Townsend, to name a few. They shaped my thoughts and brought an immense about of joy.

“Not every child will have this experience, but this year we at The Herald are determined to do all we can to ensure as many as possible do.”

The newspaper said that as the cost of living crisis escalates, families are having to make difficult choices to keep food on the table, and many children in Scotland do not have books at home.

To donate, visit https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/donate