The first of a new generation of sophisticated mobile library vehicles will be unveiled in Cornwall on Thursday.

The new van will be based at Redruth and carry a stock of 3,000 books.

It is the latest vehicle to join the county's fleet of five mobile libraries.

John Stephens from the Library Service said the aim was to provide improved coverage of the county.

100,000 people

"We will use the vans from 0900 until 1800 on weekdays, and from 0900 until 1600 on Saturdays," he said.

"What we are trying to do by that is reach people who can't reach the normal library service.

"We are aiming to reach as many people as we can across the county."

The service is used by 100,000 people every year.