IF there is one thing that Dolly Parton knows better than big hair and smash hits it’s how to tell a good story.

Now the country music icon’s world-famous book-gifting scheme has launched in Camden with more than 1,600 children already signed up to receive a free book every month from birth to age five.

Ms Parton’s Imagination Library will see high-quality, age-appropriate, carefully selected books that support speech, language and emotional development, delivered directly to families’ homes at no cost, encouraging families to read together from the earliest stages of a child’s life.

Camden’s culture chief Councillor Sabrina Francis said: “At a time when reading for pleasure is at its lowest on record, initiatives like this are vital – especially for families who might find it harder to buy books or visit libraries regularly.”

The project is supported by funds from the People’s Postcode Lottery and delivered by Ms Parton’s charity, The Dollywood Foundation.

Founded in 1995, the programme has sent more than 300 million free books to children worldwide.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is open to children who live in Camden and is free for families to join.