East Renfrewshire’s MP has given her support to a fun initiative which helps kids develop a lifelong love of reading.

Kirsten Oswald is encouraging primary school pupils across the local area to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.

Organised by the Reading Agency and supported by library staff, it provides children aged from four to 11 with incentives to continue to read during the summer holidays.

By using packs available at local libraries or on a digital platform, youngsters can read about six fictional ‘Gadgeteer’ characters, created by children’s author and illustrator Julian Beresford.

Each book in the challenge is designed to cover a key theme, such as science.

Children are able to get involved at any stage during the summer holidays, with a host of family-friendly events taking place at libraries across East Renfrewshire.

These include a family fun day in the library at the Barrhead Foundry tomorrow, from 3pm until 5pm.

Those who go along can explore non-Newtonian fluids and discover how substances can be both liquid and solid. They can also train their body as well as their brain by taking part in a sports-themed circuit around the library.

The event is free and spaces can be booked by calling 0141 580 1174 or sending an email to barrheadfoundry@ercultureandleisure.org.

Ms Oswald told the Barrhead News: “I am delighted to support the annual Summer Reading Challenge and would encourage children and families across East Renfrewshire to get involved by signing up at their local library or accessing the website.

“With reading rates amongst children reducing during the summer holidays, the Summer Reading Challenge is important to help them continue to develop their reading skills.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to encourage children to join their local library and foster good reading habits that will benefit them right into adulthood.”

For more information or to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge, visit www.ercultureandleisure.org/libraries/children-and-young-people.