In a drive to spur children's imagination, the annual Summer Reading Challenge has returned, set to ignite creativity and storytelling through the power of reading.

This year's theme, 'Marvellous Makers,' aims to engage youngsters of all reading abilities from pre-school to primary school.

Signing up to the challenge, children must read six library books of their choice during the summer holidays.

With a plethora of options such as audio books and others reading aloud, even children who cannot read independently yet are welcome.

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The open window for enrolment winds up on Saturday, September 14.

Those who accomplish the mission will be feted with a certificate and medal, while under 3s will receive a special sticker medal.

The challenge provides a fun, free platform for children to sustain their reading over the summer break, often when reading levels dip.

Councillor Tom Sanderson, chairman of the Cambridgeshire County Council's Communities, social mobility and inclusion committee, said: “One of our key ambitions is to ensure that children and young people have the opportunity to thrive in our county, and our libraries play a vital role in achieving this.

"At the heart of their local communities, and with an enormous range of books to borrow and free activities, libraries support our young people as they grow and learn.

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“The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to maintain children’s reading over the school summer holidays when reading levels can sometimes dip.

"I’m sure everyone who takes part will have great fun this summer as they develop their reading skills and enjoy the many fun, free activities on offer.”

Apart from the Summer Reading Challenge, Cambridgeshire County is offering a range of free or low-cost family activities through the countywide campaign 'Get Activated' to keep households entertained while budgets may be stretched.