A SUMMER reading challenge at Craven and North Yorkshire libraries attracted more than 9,000 children.

Aimed at four to 11 year olds and with a theme of animal agents, the challenge took place in partnership with the charity, The Reading Agency over the school holidays.

Children signed up to read at least six library books, collecting picture cards and other rewards along the way.

And, across the whole of the county, around 9,600 signed up with almost 8,000 children completing the challenge.

Each was awarded a certificate, a medal and an Animal Agents-themed wrist band. The theme involved clever creatures trained to use their skills and natural instincts to unravel mysteries with drawings by Tony Ross, award-winning illustrator of the Horrid Henry series.

Almost 100,000 books were taken out by children over ten weeks, while the challenge was also an opportunity for young volunteers.

More than a hundred 11 to 24 year olds volunteered over the summer to support their own libraries and to help the children taking part in the challenge.

North Yorkshire county councillor Greg White, executive member for library and information services, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge has proved yet again a great incentive to encourage children to read and visit their local library over the summer. This year’s challenge has been enhanced by the enthusiasm and commitment of the 21 new community libraries and their volunteers now working with us.”