Youngsters from a Kingston were inspired by storytelling at the newly renovated Kingston Library yesterday (July 13).

Seven and eight year olds from St Joseph’s Primary School were captivated by how John Kirk, a professional storyteller, read The 100 Mile an Hour Dog to them by Jeremy Strong at the Summer Reading Challenge.

It coincides with this year’s theme, Animal Agents.

The Summer Reading Challenge, which aims to read or listen to six library books, is aimed towards children aged between four and 11 years old.

An additional challenge is also available for children aged up to three years old, with small rewards available to be collected along the way.

Councillor Julie Pickering, Mayor of Kingston, attended the event and said: “To see children so excited about reading was fabulous, they were keen to tell me all about the stories they had heard and what they wanted to read next.

“My hope is that as many schools and families get involved in this fantastic initiative.

The Summer Reading Challenge was launched nationwide on July 8 and will run until September 16.

More than 4,500 children in Kingston took part in the event last year.