YOUNG volunteers are being sought to help out at Craven libraries with the annual summer reading challenge.

People are needed to get involved with running the scheme, at South Craven Community Library in Cross Hills and at other sites across the district.

Thousands of children take part in the challenge every year during the school summer holidays.

The theme this time is Animal Agents.

Volunteers will register children onto the challenge, help them choose books, talk to them about what they have read and assist with library events.

They will also receive free packs, including an Animal Agents T-shirt and certificate.

County Councillor Greg White, North Yorkshire's executive member for library and information services, said: "The summer reading challenge is a great incentive to encourage children to read and use libraries. Every year it gets better and more children join in.

"This is a wonderful volunteering opportunity for young people to gain experience of working with children by encouraging them to complete the challenge and to promote the library as a place of wonder, excitement and fun."

Volunteers should be aged 13-24, but some community libraries may be unable to accept under-18s.

For more details, visit vinspired.com, call at your local library or e-mail libraries@northyorks.gov.uk.

The deadline for applications is July 15.