Youngsters rise to library reading challenge

MORE than 100 bookworms received certificates and medals after taking part in a Wild Read challenge. About 130 children completed the summer reading challenge, which involved picking six books from Buntingford library and collecting stickers for each one

MORE than 100 bookworms received certificates and medals after taking part in a Wild Read challenge.

About 130 children completed the summer reading challenge, which involved picking six books from Buntingford library and collecting stickers for each one they read.

They received their awards at a presentation afternoon at the library on Thursday.

A spokesman for Buntingford library said: "The challenge is always a popular event here at the library.

"Numbers have increased every year and it's a good way to get children reading when they're out of school, as studies have shown that reading ages often decrease during the summer holidays."

The challenge is a nationwide initiative, and has been running for 10 years. About 65 per cent of competitors in Buntingford were girls, which is in line with the national average for the challenge.

The spokesman said: "It's mainly aimed at ages five-12, but we have pre-school children taking part as well.

"Even those who can't read can join in by listening to talking books, or having older brothers and sisters read to them.