South Ayrshire schools will benefit from a £20,000 boost after a report revealed more than 13,000 Scottish pupils leave primary unable to read fluently.

Pupils at 50 schools across the country will now embark on a shared reading programme to tackle the issue after the Scottish Book Trust was awarded the funding.

The project will focus on "struggling or reluctant readers" in schools located in areas of high deprivation, where the impact could be most beneficial.

In addition to Ayrshire, pupils in Clackmannanshire, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow and Stirling will receive help.

The programme begins in August and runs for six months, taking free books and resources to 2500 children.

Organisers say storytelling training will build children's presentation skills, social skills and confidence.

Those behind the programme say reading to younger children encourages them to explore books and stories, as well as building an interest in reading for pleasure in both age groups.