Youngsters across Cornwall are getting ready to read their way to the finish line of this year's Summer Reading Challenge.

'Ready, Set, Read!', the challenge for 2023, is all about games and sports, with a story collection that celebrates play and teamwork and encourages children to develop a lifelong love of reading for pleasure.

Developed by The Reading Agency in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust, it aims to show children aged four to eleven that reading is fun, exciting, and can be shared with friends and family.

The Summer Reading Challenge 2023 begins on Saturday, July . (Image: Supplied)

The annual event is the UK's largest reading programme for children – and it is completely free of charge.

Children can sign up by visiting their local library where they will be challenged to read at least six books, gaining stickers and prizes along the way.

When they beat the challenge and have read all their books, they receive a medal and a certificate to celebrate their achievement. Every child who completes the challenge will also be offered a free swim at a local leisure centre.

This year's challenge starts on Saturday, July 8, and runs throughout the summer, finishing on Saturday, September 16.

In preparation for the challenge, Falmouth Library said: "So far we've visited 7 local primary schools getting the pupils excited about this years Reading Challenge, not only will they get to collect lots of goodies by simply reading but collect a medal and a certificate.

Just some of the goodies on offer for the reading challenge. (Image: Falmouth Library)

"Evidence from previous years has shown that reading levels can drop over the long summer holiday but taking part in the Reading Challenge helps maintain and sometimes improve the skill.

"We can't wait to see lots of familiar faces and even more new ones, it is easy to sign up for the Reading Challenge and to join the library if not already a member."

You can get in touch with Falmouth Library here: Facebook

For more information check out the Summer Reading Challenge website.