JIM Murphy has pledged a £36million fund to improve literacy in schools in Scotland's most deprived areas if his party wins next year's Holyrood election.

The Scottish Labour leader made the announcement during a visit to Elmvale primary school in Springburn, Glasgow, where he marked World Book Day by reading to pupils.

He also set out plans to create a 'First Minister's Reading Prize," if Labour forms the next Scottish Government.

The funding is part of a £125million plan to close the attainment gap between rich and poor pupils.

Scottish Labour want to hire an extra 200 literacy teachers to work in the areas where children from less well off backgrounds are struggling most.

Mr Murphy said: "The ability of Scotland's kids to read and write shouldn't depend on how much money their parents have.

"It's a moral scandal that in the 21st century where a child lives and what their parents do for a living still determines their ability to get the best education.

"The reality of life after eight years of SNP Government in Edinburgh is that too many working class kids are getting left behind."

Mr Murphy confirmed earlier this week that a future Scottish Labour government would not impose university tuition fees.

However he said further action was required to help pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds go on to higher education.