WITHIN the first month of opening, more than 1,150 young readers have signed up for this year’s free summer reading challenge at Denbighshire’s libraries.

This year’s challenge opened in early July and is themed on art and creativity.

Marvellous Makers, the title of this year’s challenge, has seen 1,153 Denbighshire’s young readers sign up so far.

The challenge this year is designed to celebrate creativity - this can range from dancing to drawing and junk modelling to music, celebrating the endless ways that children are creative.

The summer reading challenge aims to keep children reading over the summer holidays with events, activities and brilliant books – available to access for free from all of Denbighshire’s eight libraries – and provides a free, fun way to keep young minds active.

The annual summer reading challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency and is supported in Wales by the Books Council of Wales, thanks to funding from Welsh Government.

Deborah Owen, principal librarian at Denbighshire County Council, said: “Reading is such an important life skill, and we would love to see as many children as possible sign up this year.

“Don’t worry if you haven’t started yet, there’s still plenty of time to get reading in this year’s challenge.”

Cllr Emrys Wynne, lead member for the Welsh language, culture and heritage, said: “It is brilliant to see that so many young people have signed up for this year’s challenge.

“Reading is so important for wellbeing and learning during the summer break, helping to keep young minds active while there is no school.”

To sign up for the summer reading challenge, please contact or visit your nearest library.