Swindon Stories is inviting families with young children to Orbital Shopping Park on Monday to take part in a fun free activities that encourage children to read and love language.

Families will will get the chance to share stories, sing songs and play games together – and take away a free goodie bag including a brand new book in time for Christmas.

There is no need to book ahead – just visit the bus parked outside the Orbital from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Activities will be led by early years professionals from the National Literacy Trust and volunteers from Swindon’s Bus Company.

The event is part of the National Literacy Trust’s Small Talk project which helps parents turn everyday activities into new opportunities to fill their child’s world with words.

New research published by the National Literacy Trust revealed that 33,204 children in the south west don’t have a single book of their own – yet children who own a book are six times more likely to read above the expected level.

Swindon Stories manager Anish Harrison said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our Small Talk event to Swindon and hope that lots of families will come along on Monday to give some of our chat, play and read activities a go. Families will get to take home some fantastic goodies – including a brand new book, activity sheets and more – to help them carry on the fun and learning at home.”

Swindon Bus Company’s general manager Alex Chutter said: “As well as providing a festive reading bus for the day, we are boosting the charity’s funds with a donation of £500.

“This will be used towards gifting books to the families who attend the event - and I hope they will enjoy reading them together at home. This is a hugely worthwhile event, and we are delighted to be involved.”

Swindon Stories is run by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and WHSmith.