PEEBLES and Innerleithen youngsters are being encouraged to carry on reading during the holidays.

As part of the Summer Reading Challenge, children are being asked to read at least six library books over the summer, which is one book for every week the children are off school.

Young book bugs aged 4 to 11 can keep a record of the books they read in a special mission folder.

Each time they complete a book, they simply visit the library to collect a sticker and give the book a rating, encouraging children to think critically about what they have read.

To sign up for the challenge, children can visit the Live Borders Library in Peebles or the Integrated Contact Centre in Innerleithen to receive their mission folder and registration card.

Children taking part in the challenge will join a super space family, The Rockets, for a thrilling mission to track down books nabbed by mischievous aliens.

The national event is held every year by the Reading Agency, with this year's theme 'Space Chase' being chosen to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

Participation is free, and children will be rewarded each time they finish a book.

Certificates and medals will be given out to all young people who successfully finish the challenge.

Community and Engagement Services Officer, Christine Johnston, said: "The challenge offers children and families an enjoyable activity in the six-week summer break from school when reading skills and confidence can dip."

She added: "We have over 44,000 books to choose from in our Borders libraries. As a charity, Live Borders aims to make lives healthier, happier and stronger - and reading is a great way to start."