Big bath bench makes a splash with young readers

Children are already enjoying the bath bench in Bedford Park- inspired by the book Big Red Bath - as well as an ice cream

A red bath has appeared by a lake in a town park to encourage more young children to read, but also get active.

The Big Red Bath bench in Bedford Park was created by sculptor Paul Pibworth.

It forms part of four adventure trails created across the town that have taken inspiration from Bedford author Julia Jarman's popular Ben and Bella books.

Elaine Midgley, director of the not-for-profit Bedford Creative Arts (BCA) group which is behind the initiative, said it was trying to make reading "joyful, accessible, and part of everyday life – in libraries, parks, and imaginations".

Julia Jarman's books have inspired four trails

The trails form part of Bedford Borough Council's "Year of Reading".

The Big Bouncy Bed trail will be at Bedford Central Library, the Big Blue Trail at Russell Park and the Big Yellow Digger at Mowsbury Park.

Ms Midgley added: "These trails offer a great way to inspire families to both get reading and get active outdoors at the same time - enjoying Bedford's incredible outdoor spaces."

The trail is already set up in Bedford Park

Julia Jarman said: "I can't wait to see families enjoy these new trails and explore these stories in a new way."

Performer Kaye Mahoney, who helped produce the trails, will be hosting a storytelling and junk-mobile train-making workshop on Saturday from 10:00 until 13:00 BST at Russell Park and a storytelling and digger party at Mowbury Park on Sunday 10:00-13:00.

Jane Walker, who is Conservative portfolio holder for children's services on the council, said: "I really hope families can enjoy spotting characters, following story-inspired paths, and spending quality time together."