CHILDREN will be heading for libraries in the borough of Stockton this summer to take part in the annual reading challenge scheme.

To help celebrate Science Year, the national summer reading challenge, developed by libraries development agency Launchpad, has adopted a space and planets theme called The Reading Planet.

The challenge for youngsters aged four to 11 years begins in Stockton on July 20 and ends on September 1.

This year, folders have been produced that open out into a frieze representing the Reading Planet.

Children collect stickers for the books which they borrow from the libraries in the borough. In all, there are six sets to collect, which can then be stuck onto the frieze so the children can create their own reading planet.

The challenge is designed to encourage children to go into libraries and to develop the reading habit among children and young people over the summer break.