A treasure hunt for children’s books has started in a Norfolk town

Look for a book treasure hunt has started in Thetford. Photo: Gemma Moss (Image: Gemma Moss)

Look for a Book is a creative idea that communities across the country have started to adopt.

Unwanted children's books are hidden within neighbourhoods with a note attached that says: "Keep me or read me and leave me."

Children from within the community can hunt for hidden books and decide whether they want to take one home or hide it again for someone else to find.

Gemma Moss, of Oak Close, is a child minder who started Look for a Book in the Thetford area.

Look for a book treasure hunt has started in Thetford. Photo: Gemma Moss (Image: Gemma Moss)

She said: "I first saw it online through another child minder in Bury St Edmunds. The idea seems to have trickled down the country.

"I thought it was great because nine times out of 10 when I visit the library it's empty, so it's just nice to get them reading again by going on a treasure hunt."

Ms Moss is encouraging families and businesses within Thetford to get involved.

All she asks is that books are put into clear protective casing, such as sandwich bags or poly pocket sleeves, and a note is left with the book explaining what to do.

Look for a book treasure hunt has started in Thetford. Photo: Gemma Moss (Image: Gemma Moss)

"It's brilliant because more people are getting involved and hiding their books. If they are going in the bin or to a charity shop at least they go to other children that want them," said Ms Moss.

"It's exciting when we hide books and when we return they have gone. It has really taken off in our area."

All books have to be child friendly, and Ms Moss has urged anyone who wants to get involved but does not have the time to hide their books to contact her.

Ms Moss added: "You always see on news reports that children are struggling to read before pre-school, this is a good way to get them intrigued by getting out and about rather than sitting indoors on a tablet."