SCHOOLS, nurseries and groups and groups across Halton have smashed the target set in readathon challenge.

The aim of Halton Borough Council's challenge was for participants to read for 60,000 minutes in just six days, but they managed to reach amazing 186,280 minutes has so far been registered.

Readers of all ages were asked to get involved and 22 schools, nurseries and play groups registered for some of the more formal activities which took place such as readathon sessions in the libraries and parks.

The challenge, set by Halton Libraries, took place between July 1 and July 6.

Organiser, Nicola Lamb from Halton Borough Council libraries said "We have been overwhelmed by the fantastic support from readers of all ages in Halton.

"Everyone from toddlers to teens, and those who may be a little older who have enjoyed reading for many years all got involved.

"It has been a great success and a big thank you to all, especially the schools, teachers and parents who registered their minutes too."

Halton Borough Council's executive board member for Libraries, Cllr Phil Harris, said: "This has been a first for Halton and hopefully many challenges for the readers of Halton will follow.

"We know that the libraries are very well regarded and the support from teachers, residents and groups has been fantastic.

"Well done to all those who took part and we look forward to seeing you all soon in your local library and others (particularly schools) joining the next Readathon."

The schools, nurseries and groups who took part in the Halton Readathon challenge were:

  • All Saints Primary, Runcorn,
  • All Saints Primary, Widnes,
  • Ashley School, Widnes,
  • Astmoor Primary, Runcorn,
  • Bamboo Bear Nursery, Runcorn,
  • Beechwood Primary School, Runcorn,
  • Birchfield Nursery, Widnes,
  • Chesnut Lodge School, Widnes,
  • Ditton Early Years, Widnes,
  • Farnworth Primary, Widnes,
  • Hallwood Park Primary, Runcorn,
  • Holy Family Primary, Cronton,
  • Kids’ Planet Nursery, Widnes,
  • Oakfield Primary, Widnes,
  • Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Primary, Widnes
  • Saints Peter and Paul High School, Widnes,
  • St Berteline’s Pre-School, Runcorn,
  • St Chad’s High School, Runcorn,
  • St John’s Preschool, Widnes,
  • Vicarage Lodge Preschool, Runcorn,
  • Wade Deacon High School,
  • Widnes, Weston Point Preschool, Runcorn
  • Palace Fields Day Care, Runcorn
  • Brookvale Primary, Runcorn
  • Halebank Primary, Widnes
  • Gorsewood Primary, Runcorn
  • St Bede’s Junior School, Widnes

To join Halton Library visit

http://www.halton.gov.uk/libraries