With the majority of Congleton's schoolchildren being asked to continue their education from home, the 'Summer Reading Challenge' is opening earlier than normal. And of course, the focus is completely digital.

The Summer Reading Challenge, which is organised nationally by The Reading Agency, is aimed at children aged 4-11. This year's theme is 'Silly Squad'. The all-new digital website will be launched officially on Friday 5 June with a whole host of fun activities, and runs right through the summer, to September.

Although the council's library buildings will remain closed until further notice, we are encouraging primary and secondary schoolchildren to continue to access our services freely through our virtual services and e-lending platforms.

Families will be able to find a vast array of virtual 'super silly' curated events, which will be hosted online, including games, quizzes and many different downloadable activities, all with the intention of entertaining and educating children, who may be feeling extremely self-isolated at this difficult time.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: "The Summer Reading Challenge is something that I know children really engage with, so I am relieved that we are still able to do this virtually.

"Children's reading levels can drop off a little during the long summer holiday, and of course there is an even greater risk of that being the case this year, with the unavoidably long lay-off there has been from schools."

Children are being encouraged to read anything that makes them feel happy no matter what the format this year, whether it's poetry, fiction or non-fiction, a comic or a joke book. This year's challenge is all the more important, as it will also help to provide a source of vital relief to parents and carers trying to keep younger minds active, especially while they may be struggling themselves.

We are encouraging young people and their parents and carers to go to the Silly Squad website on June 5 to engage with the many activities available free to everyone.