THOUSANDS of Dorset schoolchildren are being encouraged to take advantage of a giant floating book fair at Portland.

The 356ft MV Logos II - with over 500,000 books in its hold - is due to dock at Portland Port next month and be open to visitors from June 28-July 8.

Since 1989 the Logos II has been operated by Educational Book Exhibits, a non-profit charity which has seen more than nine million visitors welcomed on board in more than 75 countries.

Co-ordinator Manuela Zieglar said: "There are thousands of titles covering a wide range of subjects such as science, technology, sports, hobbies, cooking, the arts and philosophy."

She added that Portland Port was chosen for a stop because it was an ideal location on the ship's current south coast route which will also be taking in Falmouth and the Channel islands before going on to Germany and Iceland.

Manuela added: "There will be a book fair on board at which children, schools and individuals can buy educational and general knowledge books with a very strong children's section.

"We will also be having a special café area where representatives from 45 different countries will be available to talk to visitors about life in their particular country."

Visitors will also be able to go on guided tours round the 4,804-ton Logos II which was built in Valencia in 1968.

Manuela said: "Visitors can see cabins in which our international volunteers live during their stay with us, which lasts roughly two years.

"We will take people on to the bridge and into dining areas while we also have displays showing how the engine room works.

"All money raised by book sales goes to buy more books."

She said different programmes would be on different days during Logos II's stay including an international youth café on July 6 and a family day on July 7.

Call 07789 461827 or log on to www.logos2.org for details