Children are being encouraged to unearth the Beanotown buried treasure in Essex Libraries by taking part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Run by The Reading Agency and libraries, the Mischief Makers initiative aims to improve child literacy during the summer holidays when reading levels typically drop.

Reading just six books will help children earn their Mischief Makers certificate and medal.

Along the way they’ll also collect stickers - including some special smelly stickers - which will help them find the buried treasure on their Beanotown map, available from all Essex libraries.

Those aged 10 and over can also get creative by joining in with ImagiNation 2018 to help their library make fantastic book displays by creating artwork or reviews inspired by the books they have read.

Cllr Susan Barker, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for customer and corporate, said: “I’m pleased we’re again able to deliver the Summer Reading Challenge to Essex families and excited for children to experience and learn new things from the fantastic books our libraries have to offer.

“We know that reading is extremely important in helping children develop their language and communication skills and also a great way of supporting them to maintain these skills outside of term time.

“If your child is feeling a little mischievous this summer, head down to your local library and find out more.”

More than 46,000 families are expected to visit Essex Libraries as part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge which is free and runs from July 14 until September 1 in all Essex Libraries, including mobile libraries.