Pembrokeshire County Council is distributing over 350 books to groups across the county in a bid to encourage reading. The distribution marks the start of this year's National Year of Reading in Wales, which is co- ordinated by the Welsh Books Council and funded by the National Assembly Government. Among those benefiting from a gift of books were youngsters in the Children's Ward at Withybush Hospital children. Pembrokeshire County Council outreach librarian Eleri Evans, who is co-ordinating the distribution of 360 books for the council, presented a selection of titles to the young patients last week. "We're delighted to be able to distribute these books to local groups," she said. Education Minister Jane Hutt said reading was the most important building block for educational achievement and equality of opportunity. "This is why we have invested over £350,000 over two years for a National Year of Reading here in Wales," she said. Other organisations in Pembrokeshire which will be given books are: Withybush Hospital Patients Library, Menter Iaith Sir Benfro (to use with Welsh Learner Groups and Welsh-speaking groups throughout the county), Basic Skills Groups, Home Tutored Pupils Groups, and Family Centres at Crymych, Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Monkton.