The annual Summer Reading Challenge returns with a moon-bound mission, sure to keep kids hooked on books over the holidays.

Durham County Council libraries will once again offer kids an exciting way to keep up with their reading over the break from school, with fun materials produced by The Reading Agency.

This year offers a stellar theme, as super space family, the Rockets, need help to track down books that have been nabbed by aliens. Space Chase lets young space cadets read books, solve clues and collect special stickers to complete their very own mission folder.

Cllr Joy Allen, Cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism, said: “This year we have an extra-terrestrially fun theme, inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

“Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the long summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books or lack encouragement to read for pleasure. The Summer Reading Challenge offers a free, fun and accessible way to encourage young people to keep up a love of reading, and all the benefits that come with it.

“As well as visiting the library to take part in the challenge, by becoming a library member anyone can access our Library Online to browse the library catalogue, request an item or renew an item already on loan. Or, use the BorrowBox app to access eBooks and eAudiobooks – there are thousands of stories to get lost in this summer.”

The Summer Reading Challenge blasts off in all Durham County Council libraries on Saturday 13 July. No booking is required. Ask at your local library to collect a free space adventure pack.

Find your nearest library at www.durham.gov.uk/libraries