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Amir champions book bar

21/ 8/2007

BOXER Amir Khan has launched a novel new scheme designed to encourage youngsters to read.

The Bolton-born Olympic silver medallist swapped the ring for his hometown's new library on High Street to open the country's first `book bar'.

Set up at a cost of £9,750, it is part of a government-funded scheme to encourage more youngsters to pick up a book.

Book bars are due to be launched in three other regions, aimed at readers aged 11-19.

Refreshments

Special `book waiters' will serve refreshments and suggest books and magazines in comfy zones set aside from the main body of the library.

Amir said: "It's important to engage young people in something they are interested in. With me it was boxing and with many others it will be books and reading. To have their own chill-out area in the library is a great idea. I'm sure it will be well used."

The idea came from a group of children in Derbyshire and was tested by more than 700 youngsters last year.

The project will run in Bolton until March 2010.

Click on the video link to see Channel M's report ...