A LOCAL housebuilder is calling on people to donate their unwanted books.

Barratt Developments North East, which includes both the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes brands, is partnering with Borderline Books, a North-East-based literacy project.

With the aim of collecting as many donations as possible, the developer is calling on local residents to donate their unwanted books for the project, ahead of World Book Day on March 5.

People are being asked to donate unwanted books that are in good condition, to any of the drop-off stations located in each of the sales offices across the region, including David Wilson Homes’ nearby Woodland Rise development in Hexham.

The book drive, which will be running until Sunday, March 1, will then be collected and gifted to Borderline Books, in order for them to be passed on to those who need them most.

Borderline Books, which is a project of the Kittiwake Trust, works closely with other organisations supporting vulnerable people across the region, including local schools, women’s refuges, homelessness groups, food banks and many more.

By providing books to those who would not otherwise have access, the project is able to ensure that everybody is given the opportunity to improve their literacy skills, whilst supplementing the work of underfunded local libraries and school facilities.

Carl Sobolewski, managing director at Barratt Developments North East, said the builder was thrilled to be partnering with the project. “We understand that not everybody in the region is fortunate enough to have access to quality reading materials, but we strongly believe that everyone deserves the same opportunities, which is why we are encouraging everyone to visit their nearest development and donate any unwanted books that they may have in their home,” he said.