Commuters in Bury were in for a surprise this morning as part of an effort to encourage a love of reading across the world.

Metrolink customers on their way to work and school in Greater Manchester  sat down to find a book waiting for them as part of World Book Day celebrations.

The initiative, put together in partnership with Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and The Literacy Trust, aims to share the joy of reading for free.

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Metrolink customers were encouraged to share their new favourite page turner on social media with the hastag, #ReadMcr.

Writing on twitter, TfGM said: “We’ve teamed up with @ManCityCouncil and the @Literacy_Trust to put a free book on every @MCRMetrolinktram seat this morning to share the joy of reading on #WorldBookDay!”

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The idea forms part of World Book Day events taking place across the borough, during which more than 13,000 primary school children will receive a celebratory lunch.

Children are also invited to visit Bury Library to borrow a book before Thursday, March 16 to be in for the chance of winning a £25 book token.

The competition is being run by Bury Libraries and Bury Catering in an effort to boost reading amongst children in Bury.