READERS can now borrow books from any library in the South East.

Readers can use their card at more than 200 libraries across nine council areas, giving them access to six million items, including DVDs and CDs.

They can also return items at any library.

Councils taking part are: Brighton and Hove City Council, Milton Keynes Council, West Berkshire Council, Wokingham Borough Council, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council, Medway Council, Kent County Council, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Slough District Council.

The London Borough of Camden is in the process of joining.

Councillor Patricia Birchley, cabinet member for adult and family wellbeing, said: "This is a really exciting partnership.

“Improving access and choice to our local residents by working together is the future for library services.

“Working with our partner authorities in this way means we are able to offer a bigger and better service for less.”

Previously, county residents had to get separate library cards from each council and had to returns items to where they borrowed them from.

The council says the move will save cash as authorities share resources.