VOLUNTEERS are needed to help out with this summer's library reading challenge.

Taking place in libraries throughout Gloucestershire, the initiative aims to encourage children to pick up a good book, or six, during their school holidays and to become inspired by reading.

The Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge will run from Saturday, July 12, until Saturday, August 30, and is for children aged from four to 12.

Last year, there were 108 volunteers who helped out during the challenge. To get involved contact a library or apply online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/volunteers

The reading challenge is free to take part and challenges children to devour six books over the holidays, collecting stickers along the way and other prizes including wrist bands. To receive a certificate and a medal for completing the challenge, children need to visit a library three times, collect all three sets of stickers and record six of their favourite books.

On the way they will meet fantastical creatures from the world of legend and mythology including yetis and minotaurs created by children's illustrator and writer Sarah McIntyre.

This year there is a Mythical Maze app that brings the amazing illustrations to 3D life. Just write Mythical Maze into your App store or download from sol.us/mythical/

Cllr Dorcas Binns, Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for libraries said: “Last year nearly 10,000 children in Gloucestershire signed up to improve their reading skills over the summer holidays, and we hope even more will join up this year.

"Our libraries will be buzzing with exciting events and family activities, look out for competitions with great prizes.”

For more information visit www.mythical-maze.org.uk