THOUSANDS of youngsters across the county have signed-up to this year’s Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

The Summer Reading Challenge is a national reading scheme for children run by libraries over the summer holidays, which started on Saturday, July 12 and will finish on Sunday, September 7.

Through the scheme, Gloucestershire libraries hope to encourage up to10,000 four to twelve year olds to visit their local library three times over the summer and borrow a minimum of six books.

One Gloucestershire family who has completed the challenge in record time – for the second year running - is the McTighes from Chipping Camden.

Ignatius, eight and Marmaduke, 10, McTighe who are regular visitors to Chipping Camden library were among the first to sign-up in their area. They visited the library three times in three days to receive their certificate and gold medal.

Cllr Dorcas Binns, cabinet member for libraries at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “It’s not too late to get involved. As the McTighes in Chipping Camden have shown it’s really easy to take part and a lot of fun too.

“We hope the event will also encourage more people to use their local library and that the children who take part return to school enthused about reading, motivated and ready to learn.”

Nearly 150 summer reading challenge volunteers are on-hand to talk to children about the books they’ve read and help guide them through with themed activities.

To add to the fun, local libraries have launched a mythical quiz and colouring competition.

To find out more visit: http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/mythicalmaze

Prizes include myths and legends books, tickets to the circus, tickets to a local wildlife park and falconry centre, stationery, craft packs, DVDs and vouchers.