Just the ticket as summer reading scheme branches out

Councillor Janet Emsley (back left) celebrates the successful Fit, Feed and Read scheme with children and staff at Langley Library

More than 600 youngsters enjoyed a summer of reading, exercise and healthy eating thanks to Rochdale Borough Council’s pioneering Fit, Feed and Read scheme.

The popular programme, which is funded by local township committees, supports children to read books and enjoy exercise in a fun environment.

Children packed into Balderstone, Darnhill, Junction, Langley and Smallbridge libraries over the school summer holidays.

The vision of the Fit, Feed and Read scheme, which is run in partnership with Link4Life, is to provide children with lunch, free activities and reading opportunities.

In a further boost, hundreds of children across the borough completed this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Youngsters who successfully read six books were awarded specially designed medals and certificates during presentations at libraries.

The Summer Reading Challenge is an annual initiative from national charity The Reading Agency, whose aim is to inspire everyone to read for pleasure. It is delivered locally by the council’s library service.

Councillor Allen Brett, leader of the council, said: “The Fit, Feed and Read programme is a council success story to be proud of. It showcases our libraries at their very best and I was delighted to visit Junction Library in Middleton to present youngsters with certificates.

“I know from speaking with parents how much they value the programme for providing their children with a social outlet over the summer holidays. We have one of the best library services in the country, with a dedicated team of staff, who can rightly rejoice in helping to write another successful chapter for this superb scheme."