VOLUNTEERS who help libraries in the county thrive are marking a year of success.

North Yorkshire County Council’s library service was reconfigured last April as more moved to direct management by communities and welcomed more volunteers.

County council chair Helen Swiers has been hosting numerous events at libraries to celebrate their dedication.

She said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks on behalf of the county council for all you have done to keep the libraries not only open, but thriving.

“As a council, we realise this has meant that all of you, in various ways, have sacrificed your time and energy, some of you for years, to serve the needs of your local communities through your work in libraries.”

Over the last year, volunteers ran successful schemes including the annual Summer Reading Challenge.

The initiative, which sees youngsters aged four to 11 read library books over the summer holidays, saw more than 9,600 sign up, with almost 8,000 completing the challenge.