Don Foster MP helps launch the 2010 Summer Reading Challenge

4.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th Jul 2010

Don Foster MP attended a special reception promoting the Summer Reading Challenge at the House of Commons on 19 July 2010, encouraging children to get reading during the school summer holidays.

The Summer Reading Challenge is an immensely popular and successful reading initiative. Now in its twelfth year it reaches 750,000 children aged four to 12 years annually via the UK library network. It is created and run by The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to inspire more people to read more, and is supported by children's publishers.

Children are encouraged to read six or more books of their choice during the holidays with collectible incentives and rewards, plus a certificate or medal for every child who completes the Challenge. Children can sign up at their local library as the summer term draws to a close and all materials are absolutely free to children.

Bath MP Don Foster said: "This scheme is excellent - reading is absolutely crucial to the development of our school-age children, and we must do everything we can to get kids enthusiastic about books.

"Libraries really do provide a fantastic service, and I'd encourage children, parents and carers alike to take advantage of the books on offer this summer."