James Brokenshire MP

An MP has backed a campaign to encourage all primary school in Bexley to join their local library and take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Old Bexley and Sidcup MP James Brokenshire is urging kids in the borough to get involved in the project run by the Reading Agency.

It begins on Saturday (July 14) and is for every child aged four to 11 years to read six library books of their choice during the summer holidays. Children earn stickers along the way and will be given a certificate and Olympic style medal when they complete the task.

Chief executive of the reading agency Miranda McKearney said: “Research shows children who use libraries are twice as likely to be above average readers and children who take part in the challenge go back to school with improved reading skills and a boost to their confidence.”

Mr Brokenshire said: “I hope parents will take children to their local library this summer. If they aren’t already members sign up and do the summer reading challenge.

“Last year over 5,000 children in Bexley took part in the challenge. I hope we will beat that figure this year.”