Children have been invited to join the Silly Squad as part of this year's Summer Reading Challenge.

The annual campaign, supported by Staffordshire County Council's Libraries Service, aims to encourage children aged 4 to 11 to continue reading over the summer holidays.

Because of Coronavirus restrictions and many children staying at home, the campaign has been launched online and earlier than usual to help support parents and carers.

Children are also being encouraged to read books they have at home, or e-books until libraries are able to reopen safely.

The county's libraries will begin a phased reopening from Monday, 6th July, with Biddulph's library reopening on 27th July, as reported by Nub News last week.

This year children can set their own target number of books to read and as in previous years are rewarded with a personalised downloadable certificate once they complete the challenge.

The theme for 2020 is Silly Squad, a celebration of funny books, happiness and laughter, featuring bespoke artwork from award-winning children's author and illustrator, Laura Ellen Anderson.

Gill Heath, Libraries Chief at Staffordshire County Council said: "This is a brilliant activity that we look forward to every year that helps keep children reading over the summer holidays.

"This year's theme is Silly Squad, but we're happy for children to read any books they like.

"And, with our libraries now starting to reopen following lockdown, it's a great time to get involved. We will be running an 'order and collect' service only to start with, so please order your books online or telephone 0300 1118000.

She added: "Reading Together Day is also on 16 July, so we hope to get as many children signed up by then as possible."

The first of the county's libraries to reopen on 6th July will be those in Burton, Newcastle and Stafford.

Cannock, Leek, Lichfield, Perton and Tamworth libraries will open on 20th July, with Biddulph being joined by Burntwood, Codsall, Kidsgrove, Rugeley, Stone, Uttoxeter and Wombourne in reopening on 27th July.

Children can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge by clicking here.