HUNDREDS of tots have been busy over the summer holidays in the quest to find Southampton's favourite book for toddlers to share.

Now all the votes have been cast with more than 2,000 youngsters and their parents and carers voting for their favourite read from six shortlisted titles.

Traffic Jamboree by Sue Nicholson turned out to be the most popular choice with its tale of crazy animals in noisy vehicles having fun in a traffic jam.

Sue and illustrator Christyan Fox have now been invited to a special presentation at StartPoint Northam during Family Learning Week.

One lucky family who voted in the award scheme will also be picked out of a hat to be presented with their £50 Waterstone's voucher at the celebratory event on October 15.

The number of votes is double last year's total when there were 1,000 cast and Turtle In The Toilet by Jonathan Emmett was voted the winner.

Lorraine Davison, Southampton City Council's family learning co-ordinator, said: "We are delighted with the increase in the number of people taking part in the Favourite Book to Share Award Scheme.

"We hope that many more people have discovered a love of reading as well as many services on offer in our libraries."

Other shortlisted titles in this year's competition were Lullaby Lion by Vivian French, Hands Can by Cheryl Willis Hudson, Can You Cuddle Like A Koala? by John Butler, Scoop The Digger by David Wojtowycz and Goodnight Lulu by Paulette Bogan.