THOUSANDS of children poured into Somerset libraries over the six-week school break to take up the Mythical Maze Reading Challenge, making it a tremendous book-filled summer of fun for young readers.

Storytelling, crafts, and animal visits were among dozens of activities for children that took place in the county’s libraries, with almost 70% succeeding in reading the six books needed to gain the coveted Mythical Maze medal.

Children were also offered the chance to take part in The Giant’s Story, bringing myths and legends from the South- West to life with dance, film and digital technologies.

Young volunteers played a key role in this summer’s Somerset library successes, with nearly 100 giving up their time to take part.

A celebration and presentation event featuring historical fiction writer Ben Kane (www.benkane.net) to applaud volunteers’ work, will take place on Saturday at Wookey Hole.

Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for Libraries, said: “The Reading Challenge has always been popular with Somerset’s keen young readers.

“It’s simply brilliant to hear that youngsters have once again taken it up with real enthusiasm.

“It is clear that the county’s libraries still have an important part to play in promoting literacy among children and young people, and the joy of getting stuck into a good book.”