DOZENS of young Teesside book lovers have qualified as student librarians.

The 143 volunteer librarians, from 19 secondary schools, successfully completed a training course and received their certificates during a ceremony this week.

Award-winning author and librarian Theresa Breslin presented them with their certificates at The Kings Academy, in Coulby Newham.

The two-term course, which also includes after school work, is organised by the Schools Resource Service, a joint support service to schools in the four Teesside boroughs.

Schools resources officer Carolyn Rimmington said: "This year, a record-breaking 107 students completed the trainee course and 36 of last year's pupils have gone on to take the advanced version of the course.

"The course offers a great opportunity for pupils in different year groups to work together as a team for the benefit of the whole school community."