From Question Time to Play Time

2:31pm Friday 5th September 2008

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HE’S used to the hustle, bustle and heated debate of political life.

But this week Leigh MP Andy Burnham settled back into a comfortable chair to read children’s books at Leigh Library.

The secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport joined a growing list of local celebrities who have been encouraging under fives and their parents to pick up a book.

Organised by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, the story telling session was part of a series of events being held across the borough to celebrate the National Year of Reading.

Mr Burnham chose outer space pop-up favourite “Zoom” to read to the toddlers. And with three children of his own the 38-year-old had no problems keeping the youngsters enthralled.

He said: “My wife and I have always been disciplined about reading to them from an early age.

“Jimmy’s now eight and starting to bring his own books home and we’re really pleased he’s so interested.

“Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and the library service are brilliant; we’ve always used the libraries. The quality and range of books on offer is fantastic.

“We still use the library a lot, we’re very big customers.”

Mr Burnham follows other local celebrity readers Lord Peter Smith, Chief Executive of Wigan Council Joyce Redfearn, broadcaster Stuart Maconie and Hollyoaks actress Leah Hackett who have all read in the specially commissioned chair designed by local artist Mark Mennell.

Edel Hilton takes her two and a half-year-old daughter Edith to Leigh Library regularly.

She said: “She can take up to 15 books a time and she takes 15 every time.

“And she just loves the arts and crafts. I just think it’s so important she starts early so when she gets to school she already has a good understanding.”