A TRAFFORD restaurant has launched a book exchange as part of the Roald Dahl Day.

As part of the celebrations on what would have been the cherished author’s 100th birthday on September 13, Pesto restaurant in the Trafford Centre had asked for donations from people across the region for unwanted family friendly books that could be given to other book lovers.

After receiving a number of contributions, the restaurant now has a family book exchange box where diners can take a book for their children from the selection in return for a donation to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

The charity was set up by Roald Dahl’s widow Liccy Dahl (who has a Jack Russell called ‘Pesto’) shortly after his death in 1990.

Sarah Reilly, head of fundraising at Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity comments: “Roald Dahl loved encouraging children to read. He also dedicated a considerable amount of his time to helping seriously ill children in hospital, which is why Liccy Dahl set up the charity.

“The Pesto book exchange presents a perfect way to celebrate the centenary of this much loved children’s author, by giving children the opportunity to discover new books, while raising vital funds in support of our Roald Dahl specialist children’s nurses at hospitals all over the UK.”

To get involved either pick up a book at Pesto in return for a donation to the charity or drop off any pre-loved or new family friendly or children’s books you would like to donate to keep the book exchange going at the restaurant during opening hours.

Sarah added: “In addition to raising awareness of our work, donations from Pesto’s customers will be a huge boost to our small charity, helping to provide more assistance to seriously ill children and their families in the future.”

Pesto Manager Jo Taylor said: “Roald Dahl Day is the perfect time to help encourage more children and families to get inspired about reading and we look forward to seeing people use our community book exchange.”

‘I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn't be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.’