The first Dolly Parton Imagination Library has launched in Helensburgh to give children more opportunities to fall in love with reading.

The programme, named after the country music legend, gifts books to enrolled children from birth up to the age of five - every month, for free.

At The Hub on Friday, organisers said the launch was not just "9 to 5" and hailed the impact it will have on young readers.

All children aged under five in Helensburgh Central and East wards are automatically elligible anf they just have to register to start getting their montly books.

Development Manager Gill Simpson said: "We went full Dolly for the launch - we had her hits playing, Dolly themed cake and plenty of glitz and glamour. I think everyone particularly enjoyed having their photo taken with our lifesize cardboard Dolly!

"This programme is such a wonderful way to inspire a love of reading in young children and we are so pleased to be part of that effort.

"We were delighted to be joined by so many people who work with pre-school families locally. It's the local schools, nurseries and organisations that work with young children who can help us to make the Imagination Library a success, so we really appreciate everyone coming along to find out more about it."

Guests for the launch included MSP Jackie Baillie, Book Nook volunteers, FunFirst, and the head teachers of Hermitage Primary and Colgrain Primary.

For more information on the Imagination Library and to register, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com/uk/ amd emter your post code.

The Hub will be fundraising in 2023 to help extend the programme to Helensburgh North and West.