More than 500 free books were handed out to fans at the Colchester United v Walsall match on Saturday.

The Penguin Books giveaway was organised by Colchester United Community Sports Trust in association with the National Literacy Trust's project 'Reading the Game'.

The aim of the initiative was to promote families reading together and saw hundreds of fans queuing up to claim their free books.

Jeanette East, Colchester United Community Sports Trust Education and Study Support Manager, said: "There was a massive response and it was wonderful to see supporters decked out in Colchester United colours with a hot dog in one hand and a selection of books in the other.

"Children were sitting on the concourse floor reading together or with their families and they were all really grateful to receive the books for free."

The Essex Library Service was also in attendance encouraging families to join their local library.
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