CHILDREN in West Bridgford were encouraged to get their noses into a good book over the holidays at the launch of this year's Summer Reading Challenge.
Now in its 15th year, the nation-wide event is organised by The Reading Agency and is designed to ignite children's enthusiasm for reading - especially during the long summer holidays when reading levels can 'dip' outside of the classroom.
Celebrated children's author Guy Bass visited the West Bridgford Library on Saturday to kick start the campaign and set children a challenge of reading six books over their summer break.
Mr Bass said: "When I was a kid, I only remember one trip to the library with school and I was told I couldn't read the books that I wanted as they were too old for me. There was no encouragement, bar from my mum at home.
"This event is just such a celebration of reading, with zero pressure on kids; just rewarding them for picking up a book. I think it is a great idea and I'm really happy to be involved."
Children were lining up to hear Mr Bass read from the next book in his The Legend of Frog series and excited about taking on the challenge.
Sam Small, 7, of West Bridgford, said: "I really love reading. I like books like the first Harry Potter and Roald Dahl, and I am reading one my mum read when she was a little girl, the Famous Five.
"I like fact books too and I am going to read lots over the summer."
Other events took place across Nottingham's libraries to mark the start of summer challenge, including at Nottingham Castle where Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham took the rare chance of being on the same side, encouraging children to take part.
Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: "Some parents and carers find it difficult to keep children entertained over the long summer holidays, especially when the British weather is so unpredictable.
"The partnership between the Reading Agency and local libraries is an opportunity to inspire and stimulate children's love of books, whilst keeping them occupied all summer long without impacting on the family purse."
And Local MP Graham Allen also supported the campaign, hoping to up the participants from last year's impressive number.
"Last year 4,160 children in Nottingham took part in the Challenge," he said.
"I hope we can increase that number this year and show local libraries what a valuable asset they are to us and our community."
To sign up for free to the Summer Reading Challenge, children just need to visit their local library. When they complete the challenge, children are given a medal and certificate to celebrate their achievements.
For a full list of libraries in Nottingham visit http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/learning/libraries/find-a-library/.