We all appreciate how difficult it is for parents to fit in all of the activities that our children are increasingly demanding these days, and feeling like a free taxi service is par for the course.

But how much time do we really spend actually doing things together?

Your local ASDA, in conjunction with Strabane Community Library and the BBC, are launching a new initiative which will give parents the opportunity to become skilled story tellers.

Join Jakki for one hour a week, during a reading group which will eventually include parental participation, much to the delight of your own kids!

"I will host reading groups for parents and children in Strabane Community Library on Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings from January. It's a wonderful chance for parents to take part in such a positive initiative - even if the group is the only time during the week when you read with your kids, it is a precious experience and the gift of reading is priceless.

"Children are never too young to be introduced to books, as I learned recently when I visited a Strabane Surestart activity in the Courtyard Play and Learning Centre and was delighted to meet parents and their pre-school children who showed great interest in story telling activities," ASDA's events co-ordinator Jakki Devine said.

The BBC are also providing free activity packs for parents to use at home with their children.

Parents can order "Max and Lara's Space Adventures" by calling 08000 150 950, or logging onto bbc.co.uk/raw. Links to receive help with reading and writing skills are also available on the website.

For more information about reading groups contact Jakki at ASDA on 02871 382365, or Kate or Angela at Strabane Community Library on 02871 883686.