DEVON County Council is inviting children to the Okehampton and Chagford libraries this summer for a circus spectacular reading adventure.

Throughout the school holidays, libraries across the county will be running 'Circus Stars' —this year's Summer Reading Challenge.

The initiative, now in its 13th year, encourages children to read six or more books of their choice over the school holidays in order to win prizes, this time including bookmarks, moving image membership cards and stickers.

If a participant reads enough books, they can win themselves a certificate, medal and wristband for completing the challenge.

As a bonus, there is a circus-themed story to follow. In the story, six children sign up for a circus skills academy, and as they read the books they can learn the circus skills through three important stages, 'Practice', 'Rehearsal' and 'Show Time', along with the characters.

The challenge kicked off with a special launch event at Ilfracombe Library last Tuesday where 'Circus Berzercus' ran special circus skills workshops.

Okehampton Library will host a circus craft activity day on Thursday August 4 and clown puppet making workshops on Monday August 8 and Thursday August 25.

Chagford Library will host a special challenge event on Wednesday August 31, where children can help make a circus collage, write their own short story or poem, and collect their certificates and medals.

Children can start the challenge now at their local library for free.