Youngsters complete summer reading challenge

Children at Bungay Library picking up their certificates for successfully completing the summer reading challenge (Image: Archant)

In Halesworth, more than 70 children read six books over the summer and went to a ceremony to collect their awards from Suffolk County Councillor Tony Goldson.

He said: “It’s engaging the children with reading, encouraging them to read at home, read with parents and that helps them in the long term and it’s brings so much pleasure to their lives. It’s a wonderful scheme.”

And it appears to be growing ever more popular in Halesworth, library manager Ali Hopkins said more children finished the challenge than ever before.

“It has been an absolute delight,” she added. “And we do try and make if fun and make the children all feel they matter.”

Among those collecting their certificates was nine-year-old Matthew Springall.

He said: “My favourite thing was getting to read because I don’t get to read that much and I’m back into reading now.”

Astra Straughn, seven, said: “I challenged myself by reading seven books. Betsey Biggalow was my favourite because she is very mysterious.”

Over in Bungay, children collected their certificates and medals from Councillor David Ritchie, who also handed out prizes to winners of the colouring competition and treasure hunt, which were funded by the Friends of Bungay Community Library.

More than 70 children finished the challenge by reading six books, and many of them went to pick up their awards.

Library manager Amanda King said: “Despite the weather 50 children attended the presentation and it was a bit of a squeeze!

“We were helped to run the challenge by our 12 wonderful volunteers, who each helped on several days ensuring that the children had someone available each day of the holidays.

“We couldn’t run this brilliant event without them and we’re very grateful to them for their continued support.

“It has been a very busy, but extremely fun time.”