MORE than 25,000 children took part in an annual reading challenge at Hampshire libraries.

The Summer Reading Challenge is held in Hampshire libraries every year during the school summer holidays for children aged four to 11.

It challenges them to read or listen to six library books to earn stickers as they progress and a certificate and medal upon completion.

This year’s challenge was in partnership with Guinness World Records, challenging children to read and explore real life achievements featured in the Guinness Book of Records.

Councillor Andrew Gibson, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for culture, recreation and countryside, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge continues to inspire young people to become confident readers by enabling them to learn from the stories they want to read. This year’s theme celebrates achievements and personal bests.”

He added: “Children’s reading ability can decline over the summer and research by the Reading Agency has found that those who take part in the Summer Reading Challenge maintain, and even improve, their reading level over this period, which is why Hampshire libraries do all they can to encourage children to take part each year.

“Well done to all the children who have put their mind to it and completed the challenge.”