Marcus Rashford backs reading charity providing books for less well-off children

Campaigning footballer Marcus Rashford has teamed up with a reading charity on an initiative aimed at ensuring less well-off children have access to books.

Customers will be able to donate to the scheme at WH Smith shops, with funds going to the National Literacy Trust.

The retailer will also gift a copy of Manchester United and England striker Rashford’s first book, You Are A Champion, for every one that is sold.

The trust will distribute the books to “tackle literacy issues in communities at a local level across the UK”, according to WH Smith.

Rashford, whose campaigning last year was credited with forcing the UK Government into a U-turn on free school meals, said: “Enjoying reading can’t just be a privilege; all children should be able to access books, no matter what their background.

“Having good literacy skills supports children to succeed in life and everyone should have the opportunity to discover a love of reading. This last year has shown us just what we can achieve when we work together.

“By joining forces with WH Smith and the National Literacy Trust we are giving everyone the best opportunity to get involved in supporting getting every child reading.”