Children urged to turn over a new leaf and get reading

YOUNGSTERS already fed up with the summer holidays are being encouraged to get stuck into a good book.

Edinburgh's 2010 Summer Reading Challenge involves up to 750,000 children aged four to 11 years across the UK and libraries in the Capital are geared up to get local youngsters involved.

Each year, children are encouraged to read six or more books during the holidays with incentives on offer, plus a certificate and medal.

There is also a chance to win book tokens and family tickets to all kinds of attractions.

Children can sign up at their local library until August 29 and all materials are free.

The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge has a space theme and Edinburgh libraries have teamed up with the Royal Observatory to inspire children's interest in stars and astronomy.

Every child will receive a Dark Sky Scotland stargazing guide when they sign up for the Space Hop mission.