A new book featuring football mascots Pottermus and Boomer has been launched to help encourage a love of reading.

The book, called 'Meet the Mascots', has been developed as part of Stoke-on-Trent's Family Matters programme, which works with families to improve outcomes for children.

Once printed, copies of the book will be gifted to children for families to read together at home.

Author Tom Buckingham said: "I've been writing books about football for many years now, but Meet The Mascots has been very special.

"From being asked to help with the project by Jane Wood, my favourite editor, through to choosing the club's mascots as the lead characters, and then to joining in at Maple Court Academy as the illustrator, Matt Buckingham, and two Reception classes brought the story to life: I've just had the best time all round!"

Pupils at Maple Court Academy were among the first to hear the story as part of a storytelling and drawing session led by author Tom Watt and illustrator Matt Buckingham.

During the visit, author Tom – who played Eastenders' Lofty Holloway - brought the story to life with a reading session for reception pupils.

Illustrator Matt shared the creative process behind the book and helped children develop their own drawing skills through an interactive workshop.

Publisher Jane Wood said: "Having spent many years as a commissioning editor, I have seen first hand the literacy challenges in Stoke-on-Trent and wanted to help.

"Sharing books with an adult at home is such a key experience to ignite a child's reading and I came up with the idea of books that would be bespoke to Stoke-on-Trent.

"These books have been thoughtfully developed to specifically support local children and I cannot wait to see them enjoy these stories."

The city council said the initiative builds on evidence showing the importance of early language and literacy development in improving children's educational outcomes and life chances.

The project aims to support reading both in the classroom and at home.

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children's services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Reading is one of the most important skills a child can develop and we want every child in Stoke-on-Trent to have the best possible start in life.

"This book is a fantastic example of how our Family Matters programme is finding creative ways to support children's learning and development.

"Pottermus and Boomer are instantly recognisable characters for many local children and this book is a brilliant way of using that connection to encourage young people to enjoy stories, develop their imagination and build a love of reading.

"It was wonderful to see the children so engaged with the story and taking part in the drawing activities with Tom and Matt."

The Best Start in Life project will also include the development of a book aimed at pre-school children.