The annual Summer Reading Challenge for schoolchildren will begin next month.

Merton libraries are supporting the initiative run by national charity the Reading Agency for children aged between four and 11.

The theme this year is Animal Agents, a band of friends trained to unravel mysteries.

Children are being challenged to read six books or more during the summer holidays.

Children across the borough are being challenged by animal agents to read six books or more during the school summer holidays.

The Summer Reading Challenge begins on July 8 and runs until September 9. It is free to take part and will be running in all seven of Merton’s libraries in Wimbledon, Mitcham, Raynes Park, Pollards Hill, West Barnes, Morden and Colliers Wood.

Every child who completes the Summer Reading Challenge will receive a medal and a certificate. Other prizes up for grabs include an iPad, theatre tickets, tickets for the owl experience at Deen City Farm and a family ticket to the Warner Bros Studio Tour London, the Making of Harry Potter.