CHILDREN from across the district showed their love of reading by taking part in this year’s Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge at their local library.

Each year, Northumberland County Council’s libraries join the national reading challenge, coordinated by the Reading Agency, with this year’s theme Dennis the Menace to celebrate the 80th birthday of ‘The Beano’ comic.

The challenge, now in its 20th year, is designed to help children develop a love of reading, boost their confidence and teach them new skills.

In addition to enjoying fun comic workshops and craft activities, the children, aged between four and 11, were encouraged to read six or more books during the summer. They received incentives along the way and a medal and certificate on completion of the challenge.

There were more than 1,800 children involved across Northumberland, with presentation ceremonies held locally in Hexham and Haltwhistle.

Councillor Cath Homer, portfolio holder for Culture, Arts, Leisure and Tourism, said: “I’d like to congratulate the every single child who took part in Mischief Makers.

“We all know how important is and the reading challenge encourages families to visit their local libraries, enjoy reading together and discover all the fantastic free resources that libraries have to offer.”