SCHOOL pupils in Barrhead are being asked to donate books as part of a Swap Shop initiative designed to encourage reading and raise money for charity. The award winning programme from ScottishPower has already seen over 5,500 book swaps as well as donating thousands of pounds to local charities.

Now in its fourth year, the energy giant is urging schools to sign up for pupils to exchange books and donate 50 pence per swap.

The money raised will be given to Aberlour, a children's charity that provides help to over 6,000 of Scotland's most vulnerable children, young people and their families each year. Every school that participates will also have the opportunity to win a visit from a leading children's author who will be participating in the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Ann Loughrey, fromt ScottishPower, said: "Over 5,500 books have been swapped over the last three years thanks to the Swap Shop initiative and this year we hope that even more pupils will take the opportunity to share their most treasured stories with their classmates.

"Swap Shop has proven to be a fantastic, interactive project that not only encourages pupils to read more but also allows them to engage with other students and it is great that in the process they raise money for such a worthwhile charity." Swap Shop is a national reading challenge run by ScottishPower in partnership with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, to celebrate the energy company's official sponsorship of the festival.

If you would like to register your school to take part in the ScottishPower Swap Shop please contact Roanna Katz at The BIG Partnership on swapshop@bigpartnership.co.uk or call 0141 333 9585.

Schools should register their interest before Wednesday 23rd May 2012. The book swaps should take place by Friday 22nd June 2012.