A TOURING, drop-in playground bus for 0-3 year olds will be visiting Clackmannanshire next Thursday and Friday (26 and 27 March).

Parents, carers and wee ones are invited to jump on board Bessie, PlayTalkRead’s fun bus where they can pick up new ideas and tips on how to play, talk and read more together.

Acting minister for children and young people, Fiona McLeod, said: “Playing, talking and reading is all about enjoying time together with your wee one from day one, it can give them a better start in life and make a positive difference to their health and happiness in the future.

“It also helps little ones learn to play for longer therefore they become less frustrated, which means less stress for them and you.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming all the mums, dads, grandparents and carers in Clackmannanshire on board Bessie. As a former librarian, I’m delighted to see so many families getting involved in the PlayTalkRead campaign by visiting Bessie.

“The buses and the PlayTalkRead website provide a wealth of inspiration as well as lots of handy tips and advice on playing, talking and reading more with your little one.” Bessie will be at Clackmannanshire Families, PACCT & Domestic Abuse Family Support Service in Tullibody from 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm on Thursday.

On Friday the bus will be at Alloa Family Centre from 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm.