FANS of graphic novels will be in comic heaven next month.

Readers will be able to get their hands on comics for free as part of a worldwide scheme.

The comic shop Swin City, in Morley Street, Swindon, is taking part and has arranged for thousands of American comics to be handed out for free, to get more people interested in reading them.

It is a great opportunity for young and old to get involved in the initiative, which is supported by the Diamond Comics Distributors for Saturday, May 5.

Joint owner of Swin City, Steve Causer, said: "We literally have thousands of comics coming in to give out.

"We would like to do a big push on it as it is all about getting comics to more people as well getting people to read.

"We think it should go down well with the people of Swindon and hope it will increase the popularity of comics."

A selection of US, Canadian and Australian comics will be up for grabs.

There will be a number of stands situated all over Swindon on the day.

It is the first time Swin City has been involved in the event, after it opened for business in the town six months ago.

It is the fourth year the worldwide free comic book day has been celebrated and a spokesman for Free Comic Book Day said: "One of the goals of Free Comic Book Day is to reach out to those individuals unfamiliar with the comics market, not to mention a comic book shop.

"Every year those behind Free Comic Book Day launch a massive promotional campaign that heralds the event and spreads the good word of comics to potential readers everywhere."

For more information visit www.swincitycomics.co.uk or www.freecomicbookday.com.