The Prime Minister, along with Labour’s Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, have launched the National Year of Reading at Downing Street.

Campaigns and activities connected with the Year of Reading aim to encourage people to read in businesses, homes and communities around the country – helping to improve access through schools and libraries.

Ed Balls said: "I want every school, college, library and employer to pledge to join in with the Year of Reading by signing up online.

"Books are at the heart of the Year's activities but all reading 'counts'. Newspapers, magazines, poetry, song lyrics, screenplays and blogs will all feature as part of the Year's activities.

"There has been a huge amount of attention recently on reading at school, and rightly so. Every child must be able to read and write confidently; that is one of the highest priorities of this government. We are investing in high-quality phonics materials, free books for babies and children, catch-up support and small group tuition to help everybody achieve that goal.

"But the National Year of Reading is about much more than children's achievement at school. It is about the potential of reading to open doors.

"We need children, adults, and families to be reading because they love it and appreciate the opportunities that reading brings - not because people like me say it's important. And it's never too late to improve your reading skills. “

You can sign up for updates about the campaign and find out more information by visiting yearofreading.org.uk.