East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald is encouraging all primary school children to take part in a summer reading challenge.

The Reading Agency initiative launches in Scotland on Saturday, June 24 and involves children aged four to 11 visiting their local library to get involved.

There they will be able to join a “superstar team” and “marvellous mascots” and get stuck into the challenge, which is themed around the power of play, sport and games.

Ms Oswald told the Barrhead News: “I am delighted to support the summer reading challenge and I encourage children and families across East Renfrewshire to get involved in the activities by signing up online or at their local library.

“Reading rates amongst children fall during the summer holidays and that’s why the summer reading challenge is important to help them continue to develop their reading skills."

Free materials for youngsters will be supplied by libraries and online via the challenge website.

These include physical activity challenge cards from the Youth Sport Trust and a themed book collection which aims to keep imaginations moving over the school holidays.

By taking part in the initiative, which has been running since 1999, children will have the opportunity to explore new reading material, develop skills and discover new interests.

Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, added: "We're delighted to see how library partners across the country are organising their own events and activities to support this year's summer reading challenge.

“We are really looking forward to working closely with them to help get children reading, imagining and staying active this summer.”

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