The highest number of children, 10,419, took part in the Summer Reading Challenge in Nottinghamshire.

It encourages children to keep up the reading habit during the long summer break.

A total of 5,699 successfully completed the challenge to read six books during the holidays.

The record-breaking challenge — managed by Nottinghamshire County Council — was marked with a celebration event at Mansfield
Library when vice-chairman Yvonne Woodhead presented awards to youngsters.

The work of the challenge’s volunteers was also recognised. In Nottinghamshire, 100 volunteers gave a total of 1,513 hours over the six-week holidays.

Coun John Knight, committee chairman for culture, said: “We have had some outstanding feedback from this year’s challenge from parents, carers and children.

“The feedback demonstrated that the challenge encouraged children to read a wider range of books and motivated children to read more — both of which promote a love of reading.”