More than 3,000 children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge during the school holidays.

Those who completed the challenge by reading six books or more received a medal and a certificate. They were also entered into a prize draw and the lucky winners were awarded prizes at their school assemblies.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Judy Saunders, Cllr Nick Draper and Maria Garcia from Merton Council’s library service presenting Daniel from Holy Trinity Primary School with his Summer Reading Challenge prize.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Judy Saunders and Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, Councillor Nick Draper, presented the top two prizes, an iPad and a family ticket to Warner Bros. Studio London – The Making of Harry Potter.

The Summer Reading Challenge is an initiative run by The Reading Agency and delivered by libraries. This year’s theme was Animal Agents, a band of furry, slippery and feathered friends  specially trained to use their skills and natural instincts to unravel mysteries.

Library records show that a total of 38,274 books were borrowed over the summer on child and primary school library cards. Merton was the first London borough to launch the library and schools membership scheme which issued every primary school child with a library card to encourage them and their family to visit their local library. This scheme has been extended to secondary school pupils this year.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Judy Saunders, Cllr Nick Draper as well as Maria Garcia from Merton Council’s library service and Headteacher Mrs Hick presenting Nuha from Cranmer Primary School with her prize.

Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, Councillor Nick Draper, said: “Congratulations to all the children who took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and especially to those who read six or more books. Library membership can open up a whole new world of exciting stories for young readers and we hope they will enjoy borrowing and reading many more books.”

Merton Council would like to thank its sponsors for supporting this year’s Summer Reading Challenge:

Morden Islamic Community Centre, Kisiel Group,  New Wimbledon Theatre, Polka Theatre, Better, Explore Learning (Merton), Tesco New Malden and Asda Sutton for their support.