“Mischief Makers” are flocking to libraries to compete in a summer challenge.

Teaming up with The Reading Agency, libraries across Barnet are encouraging children to attend the Summer Reading Challenge for the 80th anniversary of the comic, Beano.

Children aged four to eleven must read six books until September 8 after the competition started on Saturday.

Barnet Mayor Reuben Thompstone said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to help children keep up their enthusiasm for reading over the summer holidays.

“This year’s challenge is themed around some pretty familiar characters, so I’m sure it will grab the attention of young readers.

“The challenge runs until September and I would like to encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”

For every book the children read they receive stickers to add to their Beanotown map or a reward, and a medal for anyone who reads all six books.

Children of all reading abilities can join in and read whatever they choose as long as the books are borrowed from a library.

Children can register for free at their library or online.

For more information, and full details of all the events, call in to your library, or visit www.barnet.gov.uk/mischiefmakers.