TWEEDY the clown from Giffords Circus has been lined up to bring some extra fun and games to Swindon Library’s Summer Reading Challenge celebrating The Beano’s 80th birthday.

The challenge, known as Mischief Makers, encourages children aged four years and older to visit libraries and enjoy books, audiobooks, e-books and e-magazines over the summer holidays.

Launched by Juggling John on Saturday with a performance at Central Library from 10.30am, the programme finishes with a prize draw for young readers who finish their reading lists.

“Last year, over 1,000 children completed the summer reading challenge," said Swindon Borough Council cabinet member for libraries Keith Williams. “It’s a great way of getting children to enjoy reading, something which is of vital importance to their education, as well as keeping them entertained through the summer holidays.”

A circus workshop follows the launch from 11.30am for children aged five and over. Tickets costing £2 are available from the library’s help point. Tweedy will visit on August 29 for a ticket only free event.

Children need to register at any of the town's 15 libraries and then make three visits to any of them, taking out at least two books per visit.

Volunteers are also sought to help run the scheme. Email LVolunteers@swindon.gov.uk for detail.