LIBRARIES in Pickering and Norton have been praised for exception performance in a reading challenge to encourage young people to get into books over the summer holidays.

The two libraries were among 10 in North Yorkshire recognised for their outstanding work on the county's summer reading challenge for four to 11 year olds.

On Wednesday volunteers from 33 of the county's community-managed libraries gathered to celebrate their success, share ideas and plan for the future at the county’s annual library conference.

County cllr Greg White, North Yorkshire's executive member for libraries, told delegates at the event in Harrogate: “We have a lot of really enthusiastic volunteers providing excellent services to their communities. We have 33 of these libraries with 2,500 volunteers and every one of them is doing well.

“We absolutely want this service to go from strength to strength. We understand that there will be bumps along the road and you will need help. We are here to provide that help.”

In April, 21 community libraries joined those already in operation as part of a rejig after a cut in government funding.

Cllr White told volunteers: "It has been a tremendous achievement to get where we are today. The county council is really proud to be working with you to develop these excellent services. We are here to support you with books, IT infrastructure and our staff’s time."

At Wednesday's event, 120 people from community library groups gathered to share experiences and ideas. They also took part in workshops on various topics and heard from longer-established community libraries like Derwent Valley Bridge at West Ayton and Bilton and Woodfield.