A project aiming to instil a love of reading in Scottish schoolchildren is being extended.

Youngsters in P1 to P3 will now be able to take part in the First Minister's Reading Challenge after the "fantastic success" of the project with older pupils.

The scheme, in which  children pick up awards for the number of books read and other related work, was originally open to youngsters in P4 to P7.

Nicola Sturgeon announced the expansion ahead of a visit to Prestonfield Primary School in Edinburgh to mark the 20th World Book Day.

She said: "The First Minister's Reading Challenge has been a fantastic success since it was launched last year, with almost three-quarters of schools across Scotland taking part.

"Reading is one of life's greatest pleasures and the Reading Challenge is opening up a world of adventure and fun for young people as well as giving them vital literacy and language skills.

"Education is, and will always be, a key priority for this government and I passionately believe that the Reading Challenge is an important addition to the investment of £750m over the next five years in measures and reforms to close the attainment gap in Scotland."

Prestonfield head teacher Fiona Murray said: "The children love taking part in the First Minister's Reading Challenge and have read a far greater number of books as a result and really pushed themselves to tackle more challenging texts.

"We do lots of buddy reading in school where older children regularly read together with younger children.

"These opportunities not only encourage a real love of reading and improve literacy but also help children form positive relationships, build confidence and develop a sense of shared responsibility."

Marc Lambert, the chief executive of Scottish Book Trust, said: "We know reading for pleasure can increase empathy, reduce stress and improve well-being.

"All the research also shows that children who read for pleasure tend to do better at school.

"The message here is simple - happy readers make good learners. So it's fantastic that more children across Scotland will now be able to take part in the Reading Challenge, and will be supported to develop a love of reading that should benefit them for years to come."