AVID readers from across the North-East are being urged to join in a world record attempt.

This summer, a nationwide challenge will see bookworms from across the country pledge to use their local libraries more.

Pledges from passionate readers will be gathered and submitted in an attempt to break the world record for most received for a reading campaign.

In a bid to gather 100,000 pledges, libraries across the country are hosting events this weekend.

In Darlington, children visiting the Crown Street library can enjoy a show from award winning magician Graeme Shaw before making their pledges on Saturday, July 11.

‘Pledge stations’ will be open at the library between 10am and 3pm, at the Dolphin Centre between 10am and 3pm and at the Joseph Pease statue from 2.15pm.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Darlington Borough Council’s member for children and young people, will act as lead witness during the event.

She said: “It’s a fantastic way to promote literacy, libraries and the love of reading.”

The initiative is part of the annual Summer Reading Challenge, which aims to boost literacy levels by encouraging children to read more throughout the summer holidays.

Ciara Eastell, President of the Society of Chief Librarians, encouraged people to join in and support their libraries.

She said: “Public libraries foster a love of reading from infancy through adulthood.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is the highlight of the summer for many library staff and customers because it celebrates everything they love about reading and engages children, both existing and new library customers, in a unique and memorable way.”

For more information about the challenge, visit readingagency.org.uk/summerreadingchallenge