NATIONAL figures for this year's summer reading challenge, supplied by the Reading Agency, show that more children in Worcestershire completed the challenge compared to the national average.

In Worcestershire 4,310 children aged four to 12 took part in the challenge, with 61 per cent reading six books over the summer holiday compared to the national average of 57 per cent.

Worcestershire's libraries and learning service also engaged the highest number of young volunteers compared to other authorities taking part in the region, with 155 volunteers contributing 2,642 hours to the scheme.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for localism and communities at Worcestershire County Council, said: "This year's summer reading challenge has been a resounding success.

"Our upward trend in participation and completion has continued.

"The summer reading challenge events in our libraries and at Croome attracted more challengers and their families, and our partnership with National Trust Croome goes from strength to strength."

Lucy Barker, aged 14, volunteer at Pershore Library and National Trust Croome, said: “Volunteering for the summer reading challenge was a great experience and I enjoyed sharing my love of books with younger children, encouraging them to read over the holidays.

"I would definitely recommend volunteering to others because it can really help you build on skills such as teamwork and confidence as well as being very rewarding.”