Young volunteers are needed to help children in a summer reading challenge at Merton libraries.

Youngsters aged 14 years-old and over are sought to help in the Record Breakers Summer Reading Challenge 2015, which involves registering children, encouraging their progress and helping them find and choose books.

Volunteers will also get involved in promoting the challenge and planning a range of events.

Candidates do not need previous experience working with children but should be reliable, confident and enthusiastic, making the challenge fun and exciting. Successful candidates will be Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked and will be given full training.

The Summer Reading Challenge aims to encourage children to read by setting a fun and achievable goal of reading six books over the summer holidays. Participants are in with a chance to win prizes, bookmarks and stickers.

More than 10,000 of Merton’s young people signed up last year.

Merton Council’s director of community and housing, Simon Williams said: "Our libraries run some great community projects, which really help to educate our children in a fun way.

"This is the perfect opportunity for residents to get involved, whether they have a bit of spare time or are looking for more work experience." 

For more information and to apply as a Summer Reading Challenge champion visit www.merton.gov.uk/libraryvolunteer.