BOOK worms in Herefordshire are urged to help set a world record by taking part in what promises to be the biggest community read ever.

People across the country will be reading and discussing the novel Black Swan Green, written by ex-Hanley Castle High School pupil David Mitchell.

The book is set in a Worcestershire village and explores the life of a troubled teenager Jason, a stammering 13-year-old who keeps his poetry writing secret and desperately tries to fit in and be cool.

Ledbury and Colwall libraries will be handing out free postcards, bookmarks and the first chapters of the book as part of the initiative tomorrow (Saturday).

For those unable to make this date, copies of the book will be available to borrow from numerous libraries, including sets available for readers groups.

Organisers of the Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival are hoping to achieve an official Guinness World Record for the greatest number of people reading a book simultaneously.

They are encouraging people to fill in postcards with their thoughts. Alternatively they can post comments on the website at www.blackswan green.co.uk.

Black Swan Green is available for purchase at £7.99 and is published by Sceptre.