THE popular Summer Reading Challenge is back, aimed at keeping children reading throughout the summer – this year in an all-new digital format.

Last year saw record numbers of Warrington youngsters take part and complete the annual reading challenge, organised by The Reading Agency and run across LiveWire’s libraries.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the event is being run in an all-new digital format via a national website.

The theme is celebrating funny books and happiness.

The name of the challenge is ‘Silly Squad’ – the squad is a team of animal friends who love to go on adventures and get stuck in to all different kinds of funny books.

Young readers can join the Silly Squad by heading to www.sillysquad.org.uk and starting on a new adventure by setting a personal reading challenge to complete this summer.

Participants can access heaps of super silly activities, quizzes, videos, games and be able to track books, reviews and the rewards unlocked along the way.

This year's challenge runs from June to September, so there is plenty of time to take part.

Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is always hugely popular and a real highlight of the year for young library users and indeed library staff.

"Last year saw record numbers of young readers take part, and while this summer’s challenge will have to be different because of the current situation, we still think it will be a fantastic project for children to enjoy to help them keep reading over the summer.

"So please sign up to join the Silly Squad and get reading!”

Councillor Tony Higgins, Warrington Borough member for neighbourhood and community, said: “It’s so important, during these difficult times that we keep young people’s minds active and engage them in activities which educate, entertain and fire their imaginations.

"Our ever-popular Summer Reading Challenge is the perfect way to do that.

“After record-breaking numbers taking part last year, I’m delighted that we are able to run this year’s event, by doing it digitally.

"Please get involved, help your children discover the joys of reading and set them off on some silly adventures.”