A campaign aimed at encouraging parents and carers to play, talk and read more with their babies and young children is coming to Argyll and Bute. A roadshow is coming to Helensburgh, Oban and Lochgilphead and will have Bookbug stories, song and rhyme sessions as well as fun and free play. It is hoped The PlayTalkRead campaign will drive home the importance of positive interaction with children from day one.

The Play Talk Read bus will be at Helensburgh Pier on 20 August, George Street in Oban on 21 August, Oban Primary Campus on 22 August and in Argyll Street in Lochgilphead on 23 August. Opening times are between 9 am and 12.30pm and between 1.30pm and 5pm.

Lead Councillor for Education and Lifelong learning, Michael Breslin said, “The aim of this project is to offer practical support and ideas on how to create the best foundations for children’s development. It has been very successful in the past two years and it is important to help young children and babies to enjoy themselves, grow and gain new skills. Children can only learn to talk by being talked to by everyone they come into contact with. I encourage as many parents and carers to come along as possible.”

For more information log on to www.playtalkread.org