Rye youngsters eager to read

More than 10,000 children across East Sussex took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – a record number for the annual reading initiative.

Organised locally by East Sussex County Council’s Library and Information Service, the Challenge had the theme of ‘Circus Stars’ and was held in every library in the county.

Two out of three children taking part managed to complete the challenge by reading six books over the summer holidays to win a variety of prizes including yoyos, wristbands and medals. Over 500 children became new library members in order to take part in the Challenge.

Councillor Tony Freebody, Lead Member for Community Services said: “Reading is a key-life skill and the aim of the Challenge is to encourage children to enjoy books and reading - so I am delighted to see that so many young people have taken part.

“We’ve also had some really good feedback from our staff, parents and schools.”

Next year’s challenge will form part of the Cultural Olympiad and will be all about stories from around the world.