A scheme to create mini libraries in villages across Worcestershire is being launched in Welland.

The pilot project will see the village hall transformed with hundreds of book and internet-ready computers for around 12 hours a week.

The new library will be staffed by local volunteers, trained by Worcestershire County Council.

Ruth Foster, area co-ordinator for the council's Libraries and Information Service, said the new facility would have up to 800 books that would be changed regularly.

The council will oversee the running of the library and look after the books.

The idea is to start similar schemes elsewhere, should it prove a success.

Ms Foster said there was still some way to go before the library opened its doors. A launch date and opening hours have still to be decided.

She said Welland was selected to host the pilot project because of its relative isolation and lack of facilities.

The nearest libraries are in Malvern and Upton-upon-Severn, which are difficult to reach other than by car. The village is only visited by the county council's mobile library for around seven hours a month.

Roger Cousins, chairman of Welland Parish Council, which is working with the county council to provide the volunteers, said he expected to see the facility early next year.

Mr Cousins said it would benefit young and old alike, as well as people from beyond the village boundaries.

"We just thought it was too good an opportunity to miss.

"We're quite a big village, and we're hoping that other people from outside the village will use it," he said.