Record numbers of Wiltshire children took up the Record Breakers Summer Reading Challenge this year, with final figures showing it was the most successful year ever.

A total of 10,300 of Wiltshire’s children took part in this year’s challenge, which takes place annually to support children’s reading over the summer holidays.

This is the fourteenth year Wiltshire Council libraries have run the national scheme managed by the Reading Agency, where children aged four to 11 are challenged to read six books of their choice over the holidays and receive rewards along the way.

This year 10,300 took part with more than 6,100 finishing the challenge by reading six books. More than 37,000 books were read in total by all the children taking part.

Cabinet member for libraries Jonathan Seed paid tribute to the 250 volunteers who gave their time to listen to children talk about their books, encouraging them in their reading and giving out the rewards.

He said: “These are impressive results that show the challenge is both popular and can really make a difference to children’s reading. Thanks to all the volunteers who generously gave their time to support this important initiative.”