The BBC’s list of must-read books for children places too much emphasis on “timeless classics” and risks tasking children with too much to do, BookTrust has warned.

BookTrust, the literacy charity, warned a poll of books children ought to read ignored a “treasure chest” of more modern works they might find more exciting.

The list of top ten children’s books, compiled by the BBC from a local radio poll, includes Lord of the Rings, by JRR Tolkein, Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird and the Bible.

But while the sentiment has been welcomed by campaigners, others were disappointed to see a list of many of the same classics which have not changed for years.