Hit radio station HOTT 107.5 FM and Butterfield Bank have joined forces in launching the BLING Book Club, which is aimed at promoting reading among young radio listeners.

Popular radio host and programme director Thaao Dill and award-winning former journalist Glenn Jones spearheaded Bling (Books Lead Individuals to New Greatness) responding to Education Minister Randolph Horton's call for higher literacy rates in Bermuda.

Starting on Wednesday, the 144 local children that registered for the Bling Book Club over the past six weeks at the HOTT 107.5 studio were invited to pick up their first young adult novel.

Mr. Dill said: "Today, the community-inspired reading experience begins. Obviously a focus on literacy is inherent to a successful life.

"And, I'm so grateful we've been able to assist in developing the relationship that Bermudian children should have with reading."

Although it's too late for interested children to join in on the current book reading, there's still time to register for the next one, by e-mailing: blingbookclub@hotmail.com