Thousands of children complete reading challenge

Cornwall Council says 5,063 children completed its Summer Reading Challenge

A record number of children have completed a summer reading event in Cornwall, according to the county council.

Cornwall Council said libraries in the county loaned out 35,500 children's books during the holidays as more than 8,000 young people aged from four to 11 signed up to do its Summer Reading Challenge.

The event encouraged children to read books over the summer with those who took part earning prizes and certificates.

The council said it recorded its highest completion rate for the challenge with 5,063 children - 68% of those who signed up - finishing.

Paul Evered, library service delivery manager at the council, said it was great to have so many children complete the challenge.

"It's brilliant that so many children embraced this year's challenge and we hope they will continue visiting their local libraries to enjoy more books and take part in events and activities," he said.

The council added 1,321 new members signed up to the county's library service over the summer.