AN amazingly successful Summer Reading Challenge set by Poole Libraries saw 2,600 youngsters take part during their holidays.

The achievement was celebrated at Hamworthy Library where, of those who began the challenge to read six books in return for scratch and sniff stickers, a bookmark, dragon bug, certificate and medal, 60 per cent finished.

That is a nine per cent increase on last year.

The celebration included a guest appearance by children’s author and illustrator Mark Robertson, whose books include Hieronymous Betts and his Unusual Pets, The Egg and Kindlekrax, who gave a talk and signed a free book for every child.

Dr Balloonman kept everyone entertained with his clever balloon creations including mythical mermaids, spiders and swords.

Poole Mayor, Cllr Peter Adams, handed out certificates to the highest achieving schools and presented awards to Springdale First School for the highest number of pupils to finish.

Broadstone Middle School won an award for most improved school and Canford Cliffs Library for the most successful branch at encouraging children to take part and complete the challenge.

“It’s great to hear so many children have taken part in this year’s amazing Summer Reading Challenge,” said Cllr Adams.

“Reading six books over the summer holidays is a huge accomplishment.

“I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating our young readers’ achievements and hope they will continue reading long into their futures.”

During the Summer Mythical Maze events there were crafts, games and treasure hunts in all Poole libraries, and storytellers Michele O’Brien, Graham Rogers and Treehouse Theatre gave performances.

Local author Celia Leofsy joined children at Broadstone Library to talk about her book The Company of Goblins and Zoolab shared some fantastical live creatures from the world of legend and mythology.

Forty-two young volunteers aged 12-25 helped and were thanked for their contribution and presented with certificates by the mayor.