Libraries across Norfolk have signed up to a national reading campaign to cut illiteracy and build a brighter future for youngsters.

Norfolk County Council's libraries are part of the month-long 100 Million Minutes Challenge, which will see schools, colleges, community groups and libraries try to clock up time spent reading during March.

The campaign is run by Achievement for All, which works with schools and communities to improve outcomes for young people.

Margaret Dewsbury, chairman of the council's communities committee, said: 'The aim is that, across the UK, young people will be involved in reading for a collective 100 million minutes in March. Our library service is encouraging people to join the challenge and will also log minutes spent reading as part of their regular weekly activities.'

Last year, more than 125,000 primary school children took part in the challenge, with hopes this year will be bigger.