BOOKS to help young people improve their health and happiness areavailable on a Books on Prescription scheme.

The initiative, co-ordinated by Somerset Libraries and Somerset County Council’s public health team, enables health care workers to prescribe self-help books.

Patients can then borrow the books recommended from their local public library.

A list of 24 books has been carefully selected by mental health experts, covering subjects such as depression, bullying, managing anger and dealing with stress.

Cllr Christine Lawrence, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The Books On Prescription scheme has proven successful with adults and I’m pleased to see there are now specialist titles for young people too.”