THE Largest mass reading project to take place in Britain was launched at Lyme Regis last week.

The "Small Island Read" is linked to the 2007 commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the passing of the Slave Trade Abolition Bill.

Libraries across the South West, Hull, Liverpool, Glasgow and Bristol will be encouraging people to read Andrea Levy's award winning book, Small Island.

The novel addresses themes of identity, racial awareness, forgiveness, ignorance and survival with humour, high drama, anger and pathos, making it an unforgettable read and one that is a fitting topic for discussion in 2007.

The project was launched at Lyme Regis library by the young people's "Check It Out" group, who meet there every Thursday evening. The group was set up by Dorset County Council's library and youth services and provides a place for young people to hang out.

Youth worker, Justine Davie, said: "Check It Out is an opportunity for young people aged 11-plus to meet friends, become involved in book and non-book projects and have access to support and advice from youth workers."

The young people had good things to say about it too.

Aneesa Sagman, 13, said: "It is a great way of staying out late without your mum minding."

Connor Owen, 12, added: "I like seeing my friends and going on the computers."

The group was joined at the launch by Louisa Parker, a local writer and poet, who is currently researching Dorset's black history.

The Small Island Read will run until the end of March and libraries across the county will be holding a series of Reader's Nights, providing readers with an opportunity to get together and discuss the book.