Lucas reads aloud to his children everyday

Leeds United defender Lucas Radebe has launched a new literacy scheme for families.

4Leeds 4Reading 2Together - 442 - encourages the use of the local library to find a bedtime book.

It has been devised by Leeds United and Leeds Libraries in conjunction with the National Literacy Trust.

Through 442 library clubs, families receive tips from library staff about bedtime reading as well as support from other families.

Fantasy land

Lucas said: "Reading aloud to my kids is just one of the amazing things I can do as a dad.

"All it takes is 10 - 15 minutes of your time to get out a book and read to your child and within moments you're both off in a fantasy land, sharing the same experiences."

The £10,000 scheme is funded by the Barclaycard Free Kicks, which focuses on education and community programmes.

Britta Hayworth, from Leeds Libraries, said: "All we ask is for parents to spend five minutes a day reading with their child.

"If you read to your child, putting in all the commas, full stops and expression - and maybe different voices for each character - it will encourage them to do the same and get more out of books."