Almost nine-in-10 pupils now have a mobile compared with fewer than three-quarters who have their own books in the home, it was recently revealed.

The study by the National Literacy Trust suggested a link between regular access to books outside school and high test scores.

However, youngsters at Tettenhall Library in Wolverhampton are discovering the benefits of learning to read from an early age.

Every Thursday the children meet for storytime sessions where they hear a series of tales as well as singing nursery rhymes.

Library assistant Roberta Starkey said it was important for children to start reading at an early age.

“The children who come to Storytime love it and we can have numbers ranging from one on a bad day to 15 when we have a playgroup in,” she said.