MORE than 1,000 children across Furness took part in a summer reading challenge, according to new figures.
Youngsters were visited at school by Barrow library staff to encourage them to read any six books during the summer holidays, with stickers and rewards for doing so.
A total of 575 children aged five to seven took part and 685 pupils aged eight to 11. Schools taking part included Askam, Ormsgill, Ramsden Infants, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary, Saint Pius, Saint James’, South Walney Juniors and Brisbane Park.
The national challenge is held due to a dip in reading skills and reading confidence during the break.
Nationally, one in five children cannot read well by the age of 11.
Readers are said to show higher levels of empathy, greater self-esteem and can cope better with difficult situations, according to a county council report.
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