SOUTH Craven Community Library at Cross Hills is taking part in an initiative designed to help young children open up about life-changing events.

The Main Street premises and other libraries across North Yorkshire are making available packs of books and activities called Tough Topics, aimed at helping youngsters aged three to eight to talk with their families about issues.

Material is based around the arrival of a new baby, divorce and separation, and grief and loss.

North Yorkshire county councillor Greg White, executive member for libraries, said: "We are really excited to launch this new service which will help children and families navigate difficult conversations.

"Children don’t always feel they have the support to share their deepest feelings so we hope this initiative will encourage them to talk to parents, carers, grandparents and other trusted adults."

Tough Topics packs are free to request and borrow from any North Yorkshire library.