CHILDREN from a local primary school will flock to the Central Library as part of an initiative to encourage pupils to sign up to this year’s Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

The Central Library will be hosting visits from all year groups of King William Street CE Primary School throughout next week to tell pupils about the challenge, which this year is themed around myths and legends.

The challenge, run by the Reading Agency, is a national scheme which encourages children to read over the holidays, to prevent the reading ‘dip’ that can occur when children are out of school.

Any child can sign up to the scheme for free and if they read six books they get a medal, certificate and are entered into a prize-draw. There are also stickers and other incentives on offer if children take part to help promote reading as a fun activity.

King William Street CE School will be the first school in the local area to take part in a whole school visit centred around the Summer Reading Challenge, which will allow children to register early.

The Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge officially starts on Saturday, July 19 and there will be a special launch event at the Central Library.

Swindon Dance will launch the Challenge at 10.30am by performing The Giant’s Story, while there will also be a myth and legend-themed story time at 11am.