LIBRARIES in the Basildon borough have had 700 new books delivered.

Basildon Council has provided £5,000 of extra funding, approved by the housing and communities committee last year.

Five borough libraries have received more than 100 books each.

Vange and Fryerns libraries benefitting from 179 and 156 respectively.

Basildon, Pitsea and Laindon libraries also received more than 100 new books.

Deputy Leader of Basildon Council, Kerry Smith, said: "I am pleased we have been able to provide the funding for these extra books.

"It is important for the long term future of the borough's libraries that they are stocked with books that are in current demand.

"They will be of great benefit and enjoyment to the local communities these libraries serve."

Aidan McGurran, chairman of the external affairs, partnerships and liaison committee and ward member for Vange, said: "Libraries are a fantastic resource for our communities and it is vital that a range of books are available. "We are pleased to have been able to do our bit to give our libraries a boost.

"I, like a great many other people, developed a love of reading thanks to my library.

"The importance of libraries cannot be overstated."