YOUNGSTERS can have a cosmic time by taking part in Summer Fun sessions at local libraries.

The theme of this year's Summer Reading Challenge is Space, which is taking place at all branches and is open to children aged up to 12.

Every primary school child in Bury has been sent an invitation to join the challenge, which is called The Reading Planet.

Children have to read six books, after which they will receive a certificate and pencil. For every book they read, they will receive a sheet of stickers and a folder, which opens out to make an alien frieze.

Councillor Siobhan Costello, arts and culture spokesman, said: "The aim is to encourage children to visit libraries and continue reading over the long summer holidays."

The first two weeks of the challenge have almost finished, but there are still two weeks to go.

Next week's events, from August 5 to 9, are free of charge and have the theme Back down to Earth in Wild Britain.

It's a chance to explore the weird and wonderful wildlife on our own planet, with demonstrations and Wild Britain Website activities.

Sessions will take place at Radcliffe library on Tuesday (Aug 6) from 2.30pm to 4pm; at Unsworth library on Thursday (Aug 8) from 2.30pm-4pm; and at Prestwich library on Friday (Aug 9) from 10.15am-11.45am.

All activities will be followed by a session on the BBC's Wild Britain website guided by library staff. The events are for families with children aged 5-12 years, but must be booked at the relevant library.

The Week 4 events, from August 11 to 16, are for youngsters aged from eight to 12, and cost £1.50 per child for a 90-minute session.

The theme is Explore Cyberspace: What's out there? and involve surfing the net. Staff will show selected space-related websites and children will use computers to make posters. For further information, venues and times, contact your local library.