Slough's children are being urged to sign up for the Silly Squad this summer - but there is a serious purpose behind it all.

It is all part of the Summer Reading Challenge being run by Slough Libraries and Culture.

Alison Beer, Children, Young People and Outreach Manager for Slough Libraries and Culture said: “Silly Squad is a fun, free programme that encourages children to discover the joys and benefits of reading for pleasure.

"This year’s funny book theme is perfect to keep children happy all summer long and Slough Libraries have teamed up with Public Health Slough and the Slough Healthy Smiles team to promote key messages encouraging children to clean their teeth and show off their healthy smile.

"We’re delighted that the challenge is able to continue in a digital format this year, and excited to present an inspiring range of themed online activities to support it.”

Find out more about these activities at www.slough.gov.uk/libraries You can also visit social media pages to find out how to take part.

Children aged four and over are encouraged to keep reading throughout the summer by signing up online at sillysquad.org.uk and setting themselves a target number of books to enjoy, earning rewards along the way to help them achieve it.

Laura Ellen Anderson, the award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, has created bespoke illustrations for the Silly Squad of comical animal characters that children will get to know on their reading journey, like Brian the Pony and Izzie the Octopus.

Children can track their progress through the challenge, recording details of the books they have read via the website. Along the way children will discover books to read, play games, earn points and unlock virtual badges and there is a certificate to reward them on completion. The challenge runs till September 19.

Slough Libraries' range of children’s ebooks and audiobooks can be downloaded via Borrowbox with your library membership.