ALMOST two thousand Isle of Wight Children have signed up for this year's summer reading challenge.

This year celebrates 80 years of the comic Beano and invites children to explore a map of Beanotown to find a hidden treasure chest full of pranks, becoming 'ultimate mischief makers'.

As children read books, they get special stickers, some with mysterious smells. By adding these to their map, young readers will help Dennis, Gnasher and friends solve clues and discover the treasure hidden in Beanotown.

Since July, children have been joining the Mischief Makers for the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge is free to join, and every child who completes it will receive a medal and a certificate.

Cabinet member for environment and heritage, Cllr John Hobart, said: "This year’s Summer Reading Challenge has certainly captured the imaginations of children and it is great to see familiar characters such as Dennis and Gnasher being given a new lease of life to the younger generation.

"We have all grown up with these characters and I wish our Island children the best of luck in becoming a new generation of 'Mischief Makers' and completing the challenge."

The Isle of Wight Library Service development librarian, Elspeth Jackson, said: "It has been great, welcoming potential 'Mischief Makers' to our libraries, for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

"As always with the challenge, the focus is firmly on fun and makes sure children continue to improve their literacy skills over the long summer holidays. The scheme runs until September 8, so there’s still plenty of time to join."

Mischief Makers runs throughout the summer holiday in all Island libraries, including the mobile library and the community libraries run by volunteers, and open to children of all ages.

Any books count: fiction or non-fiction, easy or hard, old favourite or new author. Even struggling or reluctant readers can take part, and receive a reward for reading.

Last year 2,592 children took part in 'Animal Agents', the 2017 Summer Reading Challenge, with 65 per cent of them successfully reaching the end of the challenge and earning their medal.

Children can also visit https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/ where they can chat, get reading recommendations, review their books and enter competitions.