The statistics are in and this year's Summer Reading Challenge was the most successful yet with 4,200 children in Cheshire East taking part in this year's campaign called 'Space Hop'. This represented an increase of 12.4% compared to last year. Of those who took part, 2,503 completed the challenge, an increase of 13.4%.
The challenge asked 4 to 11 year-olds to read six books or more and visit their local library four times during the school summer holidays and this year's campaign proved particularly popular with boys: 1,881 took part, an increase of 16.3% on last year.
In Wilmslow 388 children joined the Summer Reading Challenge this year and 219 of them successfully completed the challenge to read 6 books during the holidays. They were presented with a medal and certificate at three separate ceremonies last month.
Helen Perry, Library Manager, said "We were delighted that so many joined in and were particularly proud of those that completed the challenge."
Staff from Cheshire East Council's libraries worked alongside local schools to make sure pupils received information on the Summer Reading Challenge and how to join their local library.
Cheshire East Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: "I would like to thank everyone involved with Cheshire East Council's libraries for their hard work. Once again, we have seen improvements on last year's participation – exceeding expectations."
"Maintaining a strong link between our schools and local libraries is vital if we are to encourage future generations to enjoy reading and make it part of their everyday lives."
