Thetford's MP is encouraging children to get involved with a new national reading challenge which will keep them busy over the summer.

Elizabeth Truss, MP for South West Norfolk, was at Thetford Library on Thursday to see the launch of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge, aimed at four to 11-year-olds.

The scheme aims to keep children reading during the school holidays by setting them the challenge of reading six books, with a set of stickers on offer for every pair of books they finish.

They can then put the stickers on a free poster, with some stickers being scratch and sniff.

Ms Truss, whose favourite children's book is The Gruffalo, said the scheme was 'fantastic'.

'What's really good about is that it makes it fun for children to read. They want to be part of it, and we know that more and more children are reading for fun which is great news.

'There's also the challenge aspect which gets them hooked, and the fact it frees up time for parents and gives them something for their children to do during the holidays,' she said.

Denis Crawford, Norfolk County Councillor for Thetford East, said he was a late bloomer when it came to reading, and was delighted by the initiative.

'I am dyslexic and had poor eyesight, which meant I didn't read a book until I was 12. But once I started, you couldn't stop me and I was reading five or six books a week.

'I think this is an excellent idea. Anything that gets young people into organised reading is great,' he said.

Last year's challenge saw more than 300 children sign up, with 200 completing the six books.

This year it is hoped that more boys will take part.

David Nichols, manager of Thetford Library, said the scheme was a good way for the library to connect with adults.

'We had 50 or 60 sign up last year just to take part in this and it's always a hit.

'It's our contribution to maintaining literacy standards through the school holidays because we know there can be a drop in the holidays,' he said.

To sign up, go to Thetford Library for a form. You can also go to the Summer Reading Challenge UK Facebook page for more information.