YOUNG bookworms in Inverclyde are set to go wild for the annual Summer Reading Challenge which is this year celebrating nature and the environment.

The popular event, organised by The Reading Agency and the council’s libraries service, launches today and runs until August 28.

This year’s theme is ‘Wild World Heroes’ with a focus on nature, the environment and adventure, and is being delivered in partnership with charity WWF UK.

The reading challenge aims to encourage children and young people to read throughout the summer school holidays and regularly attracts over 1,000 Inverclyde young people each year.

Participants are tasked with reading six books and will receive a medal and certificate at the end if they complete the feat.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event went online for the first time last year, but the easing of restrictions means young people can visit their local library once again to sign up and to check out books, although health and safety restrictions are still in place.

Siblings Sophia and Lucas Bowie, pupils at Ardgowan Primary, were on hand to help launch this year’s challenge at Greenock Central Library, which has close links to their school.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s convener of education and communities, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a key event in the Inverclyde Libraries calendar and an important one at that because it’s such a fun and engaging way to encourage our children and young people to pick up a book.

"It really does bring books and reading to life.

“Reading is so beneficial and can bring so much joy to people of all ages, especially during their formative years, and that’s why it’s great that we’re once again part of this brilliant showcase of reading and books.

“We also have such excellent library facilities here in Inverclyde to take advantage of.”

This year, the challenge is set in ‘Wilderville’, where young participants, helped by trusted animal companions, will be tasked with saving the natural world by trying to fix environmental problems to help make the village a better home for everyone.

They will receive a map, stickers and activities along the way to chart their journey.

Young people can sign up to take part at their local library or online at www.wildworldheroes.org.uk

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FULLY BOOKED Sophia and Lucas Bowie, pupils at Ardgowan Primary.