MORE than two thousand children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge in Cheshire West libraries.

The challenge had the theme of 'Wild World Heroes', focusing on how the children can help their local environment.

Of the 2,344 children who took park, 1,226 completed the challenge to read six books over the summer holidays.

Lots of events took place in libraries across the borough, including 19 animal handling workshops, events by Cheshire Dance, Chester Zoo, Noodle Performance Arts, Radiate Arts, Jem Bear and lots of environmentally themed craft sessions.

Council leader and cabinet member for wellbeing, councillor Louise Gittins said: "Our libraries played their part in helping the environment by removing the need for children to fill in a card registration form this year.

"The service also stopped giving out plastic and other rewards, such as fridge magnets, to children and switched to medals that can be used next year if not given out.

"A big thank you to everyone who has made this year’s challenge and events possible."

Councillors provided £5,500 in funding for the challenge which was used to purchase materials to enable outside events to take place (such as gazebos and picnic blankets) and other items such as craft resources.