A renowned children’s author has helped Suffolk youngsters to celebrate the completion of the Suffolk Libraries reading challenge.

East Anglian Daily Times: Nick Butterworth and some of the Aldeburgh youngsters who completed this year's challenge Picture: RACHEL EDGENick Butterworth and some of the Aldeburgh youngsters who completed this year's challenge Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: RACHEL EDGE)

Author and illustrator Nick Butterworth, who is best known for his Percy the Park Keeper books, was on hand to congratulate youngsters in Aldeburgh who had taken part in the challenge.

This year's challenge was called "Space Chase" and celebrated 50 years since the moon landings.

Youngsters had to read six books over the summer to complete the challenge for which they received a certificate and a medal.

By mid August 7451 youngsters from across the county are thought to have taken part in this year's reading challenge, an increase on last year's event.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mr Butterworth spoke to youngsters at Aldeburgh Library Picture: RACHEL EDGEMr Butterworth spoke to youngsters at Aldeburgh Library Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: RACHEL EDGE)

As well as handing out certificates Mr Butterworth also entertained youngsters with readings from his books and live drawings.

Mr Butterworth said that encouraging reading through events like the reading challenge was essential.

"Reading is a life skill and it is absolutely vital that people learn to read but it is so much more than that," said Mr Butterworth.

"Learning to read for pleasure and making time to read for pleasure, especially at school, is really important.

East Anglian Daily Times: This year's reading challenge was called Space Chase Picture: RACHEL EDGEThis year's reading challenge was called Space Chase Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: RACHEL EDGE)

"It's at danger of being squeezed out by everything else that's important because people take it for granted.

"It's an essential life skill but also such an entertaining way of occupying yourself.

"You travel in time with a book. You go to places that you would never expect to just through the eyes of somebody else."

Mr Butterworth also encouraged parents to share the joy of reading with their own children.

East Anglian Daily Times: Families gathered to receive their awards for completing the challenge Picture: RACHEL EDGEFamilies gathered to receive their awards for completing the challenge Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: RACHEL EDGE)

"I do believe grown-up's should share their own stories not just book stories. They should tell the stories of themselves when they were kids," said Mr Butterworth.

"Let children grow up surrounded by stories."

Sue Osben, library manager at Aldeburgh said: "It was a really successful event.

"Nick was lovely, lots of children turned up. We gave out 35 certificates and the attendance was in excess of 50 children."

East Anglian Daily Times: Children's author Nick Butterworth signed books for young fans Picture: RACHEL EDGEChildren's author Nick Butterworth signed books for young fans Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: RACHEL EDGE)

Further certificates and medals are set to be handed out to successful youngsters across the county over the next few days.