An East Renfrewshire politician is supporting a campaign run by Scottish libraries, Tesco Bank and The Reading Agency to encourage children to read more this summer.

The annual Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotland, run by national charity The Reading Agency in partnership with Scotland’s libraries and Tesco Bank, encourages children to read at least six books of their choosing over the summer holidays.

Paul Masterton MP has now backed the scheme. He said: “It’s free, inclusive and makes reading fun - a vital ingredient in building literacy.”

This year’s theme is Mischief Makers, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the much-loved comic, Beano.

To take part in Mischief Makers, all children need to do is to head to their local library where they will be given a colourful collector’s map of Beanotown to keep a record of their reading journey. As children read they will collect stickers which help them crack the clues and help find the buried treasure.

Sue Wilkinson, CEO of The Reading Agency said: “Mischief Makers offers intergenerational appeal and we hope this family friendly, accessible theme will inspire more children than ever to read over the holidays and make use of their local library throughout the summer and beyond.”