The government has cut funding from a charity which will prevent it from distributing free books to pre-school children.

Booktrust has announced it is very disappointed with the decision and confirmed it will no longer be funding the Bookstart universal book gifting programmes.

"Encouraging parents to read with their children has been shown to be a first step towards breaking the cycle of poverty," said Viv Bird, Booktrust's Chief Executive. "It is a great pity that children in Northern Ireland are in danger of missing out on valuable book gifting that is available to other children in the UK.

"We are passionate about ensuring that we continue to reach the children in Northern Ireland who need us most. We will be working around the clock to find new partners – whether public bodies, corporates or individuals – who can help us continue to change lives through reading."

Last year, Booktrust distributed 50,000 packs containing two high-quality picture books for babies and pre-school children, funded with the aid of a £250,000 grant from Northern Ireland's Department of Education. Children aged three and four were also given pencils and drawing pads in their book packs.

(CD/IT)