YOUNGSTERS in Helmsley can turn detective this summer thanks to the town’s Community Library.

The Animal Agents reading challenge encourages children to read six books of their own choosing during the summer holidays, and rewards them for their efforts. If they read six books, they receive a certificate and medal.

Taking the challenge out and about this year, Helmsley Community Library has teamed up with local businesses to create an Animal Agents Trail around the town. For an entry fee of £1, children follow a trail looking out for agent characters hidden in shop windows. Anyone successfully completing the challenge will receive a small reward for their impressive detective skills.

Jeanne Brown, who chairs the Helmsley Community Library Steering Group and trustees, working with other volunteers, said: “The summer reading challenge is a great way to encourage young people to develop a love of books. They can choose any they like, and of course we have hundreds of books in the library they can borrow, whether they’re into facts or fiction. For every two books they read, they get a reward, such as a wristband, stickers or a small game, and if they read all six they receive a medal and certificate. The Animal Agents Trail is a new idea this year, but we thought it would be nice to involve the wider town and to give youngsters a reason to get out and get active in the fresh air. I’m sure Helmsley is full of budding detectives and we look forward to putting them through their paces.”

Helmsley Community Library is open Tuesday 10am-1pm, Thursday 10am-4.pm, Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-1.pm Entry forms for the Animal Agents Trail must be collected from the library or Helmsley Traditional Sweet Shop in Barkers Yard, and cost £1.