THE Record Breakers’ Summer Reading Challenge has started in Thurrock’s libraries.

Now is the time to join the free reading fun and collect smelly stickers, a Record Breakers zip tag and - for reading six books - a medal and a certificate.

For those who read eight books a red Record Breakers book bag is up for grabs.

The Summer Reading challenge runs until September 5 and there is also a mini reading challenge for pre-school children and an older one for young adults called Imagination. They are free to join and take part in.

During the holidays there will also be a chance to meet some record breaking animals. Zoolab (www.zoolabuk.com) a company which offers live handling workshops will be visiting East Tilbury, Blackshots, Stanford-le-Hope, Tilbury and Aveley libraries.

Tickets are £3 and are available from each library. Places are limited so book now and discover what it means to be a record breaker this year.

Times and dates are: Monday, July 27, East Tilbury Library, 11am to noon Wednesday, July 29, Blackshots Library 11am to noon; Stanford-le-Hope 1pm to 2pm; Tilbury 3pm to 4pm.

Friday, July 31, Aveley Library 11am to noon