AHOY me hearties, a motley crew of pirates invaded Sidmouth Library on Monday to listen to a treasure trove of stories.

AHOY me hearties, a motley crew of pirates invaded Sidmouth Library on Monday to listen to a treasure trove of stories.

Part of National Book Start Day, the 20 five-year-olds in Linda Ambrose's class first made eye patches and pirate hats to wear during the story session with first assistant Meriel Santer.

The initiative is to encourage parents to share books with pre-school children and health visitors are handing out packs to children as young as seven months.

There is a range, including packs for children who are deaf or visually impaired.

Mrs Santer said: "Children's early introduction to books benefits them educationally, socially, culturally and emotionally."

Pupils from the school visit the library once a month.