A RECORD breaking 26,638 children took part in a summer reading challenge at local libraries, including the one in Petersfield Square.
To take part in the challenge, organised by Hampshire County Council (HCC) library staff, youngsters aged four to 11-years-old had to read six library books, from mid-July to mid-September.
HCC Councillor Andrew Gibson, said: “Congratulations to all our young readers who have completed the 2017 Summer Reading Challenge - helping to set a fantastic new record for Hampshire Library Service with the highest number of Hampshire participants in the history of the challenge.
“It’s been great seeing children getting into the spirit of the event and enjoying this year’s theme of ‘Animal Agents’.
“My thanks go to all our staff and volunteers who have played such an important part in this year’s achievement - through a raft of activities including hosting school assemblies and running the challenge every day in library branches across the county.”