Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which sends children one free book each month until they turn five, will expand from five to 10 London boroughs. The move will make about 157,000 children eligible and comes a month after Parton’s death, highlighting the continuing impact of a scheme she created to honour her father, who could not read or write.

Funded by the Postcode Lottery, the universal programme is available to every child in participating areas, regardless of family income. Organisers say more than seven million books have been delivered to children in the UK, amid concerns that fewer young children are being read to regularly and that some children starting reception struggle to use books.