McDonald's UK has teamed up with Harper Collins to give away nine million children's books with its Happy Meals.

The initiative aims to encourage parents to read with their children and is backed by TV presenter Jeff Brazier, who said 'reading was a big part of my childhood. Knowing what a head start it gave me, I now try to read as much as I can with my boys'. From today until February 7, customers will be offered copies of the Mudpuddle Farm series by Michael Morpurgo, former children’s laureate and War Horse author.