A record-breaking number of Herts children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, including 544 at Royston Library.

This year’s challenge was themed on Animal Agents, with children tasked with reading six books while solving a mystery at the same time.

As the kids reported back on what they had read, they collected smelly stickers featuring the clues they needed to crack the case.

Every child who completed the challenge received a medal and certificate, along with a chance to win a ticket to an exclusive author event during half term.

Terry Douris, responsible for education and libraries at Herts County Council, said: “We are delighted that yet again, we had a record-breaking number of children taking part. The reading challenge provides children with a wonderful opportunity to discover a love of reading, and it’s especially nice that they get rewarded for something they enjoy.”