Over 1,100 children from across the county have so far signed up for this year's virtual Summer Reading Challenge.

The annual campaign, run by the Reading Agency and supported by Staffordshire County Council's libraries service aims to encourage children aged four to eleven to continue reading during the summer holidays.

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

Because of Coronavirus restrictions, the campaign is taking place online and children can set their own target number of books to read. As in previous years, children are rewarded with a personalised downloadable certificate once they complete the challenge.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: "This is a brilliant scheme that we look forward to every year that helps keep children reading over the summer holidays.

"We know that it's been a bit more tricky this year because of Coronavirus but I'm really pleased to see so many children taking up the challenge.

"This year's theme is Silly Squad, but we're happy for children to read any books they like and with most libraries now back up and running there's still time to sign up and take part."

All council run libraries have now reopened and community Managed Libraries are being fully supported to reopen at their own pace.

Children can still sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge here and take part in family fun activities on the libraries Facebook page here.

The Challenge ends on 30 September.