A school is to automatically make its pupils members of their local library as part of a project by Arts Council England.

A Leatherhead secondary school, St Andrew’s Catholic School, in Grange Road, will be signing its students up to their local library automatically, with parental consent.

The scheme is being organised by Surrey County Council (SCC) as part of a project which aims to increase the number of children and families using libraries.

If it is successful, it could be rolled out to schools across the county.

SCC is one of 22 local authorities to share £55,000 for piloting the scheme for the Arts Council England project.

Other pilots around the country include new mums and dads being offered library cards for their babies when they register the birth at register offices and joint library and leisure activity cards being issued to youngsters.

Helyn Clack, SCC’s cabinet member for community services, said: "Just like a family photo in your wallet, a library card is a friend you carry with you through life.

"We invest a lot of time, money and energy in providing a thriving library service so we are happy to try out new and innovative ways to boost membership.

"Developing a love of reading at an early age is vital to a child’s development, laying the foundations for a successful education."