Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council has given its support to a community reading initiative.

The Ross Rocks Reading campaign, which aims to promote reading outwith school and to increase literacy figures, was supported by members of the community council recently.

A number of local organisations, such as the Loch Centre, Recharge and the town’s police station are already backing the campaign by either acting as a collection point for books or by displaying Ross Rocks Reading posters in their window.

The scheme was also backed by the county’s Parliamentarians, MP Fiona O’Donnell and MSP Iain Gray.

Mr Gray said: “Schools in East Lothian have an excellent track record of developing innovative ways of fostering a positive attitude towards reading. Ross Rocks Reading follows on from Dunbar Reads Together and other local initiatives. They can make help a real difference to literacy levels.” Meanwhile, Ms O’Donnell added: “Reading is so critical to every aspect of a child’s future that we have to do everything possible to help encourage it. That’s why initiatives like Ross Rocks Reading are so important and I commend all the teachers and parents who are helping to make it happen.” Colin Martin, Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council chairman, was also delighted to support the scheme.

He said: “This is a great initiative and the community council is delighted to be supporting it.

“Everyone in the local community can help to make a difference to children’s lives by showing their support for Ross Rocks Reading.” Meanwhile, ward councillor Shamin Akhtar, cabinet spokesperson for education, added: “I would encourage everyone in the [Fa’side] ward to support the Ross Rocks Reading Campaign in a way that suits them.

“You can show your support in many different ways, including buying a Ross Rocks Reading lanyard from your local school for £1, telling a friend about the initiative, donating books to the collection points, and liking Ross Rocks Reading on Facebook.” Pictured are members of the community council, along with ward councillors Shamin Akhtar and Donald Grant, showing their support for the scheme.