Big top reading scheme is big hit

A summer programme encouraging children to roll up for a circus-themed reading adventure has been hailed as a huge success after attracting even more youngsters than expected.

Manchester youngsters were invited to take part in the Circus Stars Summer Reading Challenge, held in libraries across the city.

Nearly 5,000 Manchester children took part in the scheme, well above the target of 4,500 set by Manchester libraries, while 72 per cent of all those who took part completed the programme by reading all six books - also above the target of 57 per cent.

Children who took part in the scheme were given stickers and other treats along the way, and those who completed it were given a certificate and medal.

Those who finished the challenge were entered into a prize draw for a goodie bag at each library with one overall city winner scooping a coveted black Nintendo Wii.

To fire imaginations even further, there were almost 60 circus-themed events taking place in libraries across the city throughout the summer holidays, including learning circus skills with Skylight Circus Arts, visiting Clown School or simply playing circus games on a Wii.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure for Manchester City Council, said: "This is incredibly good news for the future of young people in Manchester and we should be very encouraged by the fact that even more children than expected took part in this scheme.

"You cannot overstate the importance of literacy skills, and programmes like this are able to attract young people to reading and to visit our libraries, which have a huge range of children's books to suit all tastes."