When Robert Baden-Powell founded the cub branch of the Scouting movement he said: "The most worthwhile thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others."

And in recognising the power reading can play in providing that joy, he turned to Rudyard Kipling for permission to name the troop leaders after characters in the author's Jungle Book.

Now children can join the millions of boys and girls across the world in being inspired to read through the exploits of Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera – by collecting the classic children's book available for only £2.99 with today's Echo.

Some of the first to get their hands on the book were children from Reepham Primary School, with senior teacher Marilyn Small.

"It's always a great idea to get children to read," she said.

The pupils are no stranger to the story with their school drama group doing work on the Jungle Book only last term.

"You must keep children interested in books in whatever way you can," said Mrs Small.

Rudyard Kipling was an Indian born British author and poet, who lived from 1865 to 1936.

He was one of the most popular writers of his time and became the first English language recipient of the Nobel prize for Literature in 1907 – the youngest person ever.

Among his most famous works are also the adventure tale Kim, and the Just So Stories – available on February 2 as book 19 in the Echo's Classic Children's Book Collection.

To claim your copy of the Jungle Book present the token printed in today's Echo, along with £2.99, to your local newsagent.