CHILDREN aged four to 11 from Lancashire have been invited to meet a cast of colourful creatures as part of this year's Summer Reading Challenge.

The annual event run by the Reading Agency involves all of Lancashire County Council's 74 libraries.

The free scheme aims to keep children reading throughout the summer in the authority’s 12 boroughs including Ribble Valley, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale and Chorley.

The theme this year is the Mythical Maze.

Children are asked to read six books of their choice.

On joining the challenge, they receive a starter pack, including a labyrinth poster, to record their reading as they go.

At each stage, children meet an exciting mythical character and collect a sticker.