Normanton MP Ed Balls and his wife, Pontefract MP Yvette Cooper, hosted a special storytime in the new Robin’s Garden as part of celebrations for the National Year of Reading.

This month’s theme is all about finding places to escape to, to read. And the newly created garden provided the perfect secret oasis for a garden themed storytime and activity.

Even the stories fitted the bill, with The Very Hungry Caterpillar being the children’s favourite.

Mr Balls said: “As part of the National Year of Reading the government is encouraging all libraries and reading groups to run events that highlight the joy a good book can bring and I’m delighted to see Normanton leading the way.

“I had a good time reading to the children and taking part. It’s important for adults to take the time to read to children and share the power that books have to open doors and enrich lives. I hope the children had as much fun as I did.”

Ms Cooper said The Very Hungry Caterpillar had always been a real favourite in her own home.

She said: “It was great to see the children enjoying it. Like lots of mums I think it’s really important to get kids reading.

After listening to the stories the children made butterfly and ladybird masks.

Senior library assistant Jo Jones said: “Yvette and Ed both read stories and kids seemed to really warm to them and everyone had a lovely time.”