Eager reading schoolchildren have been rewarded for hitting the books during the summer holidays.

Chipping Hill Primary School, in Owers Road, Witham, had the highest percentage of pupils in the town taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge.

The national competition, which is open to ages five to 11, rewards youngsters who manage to read six books during the summer holidays.

This year’s theme was Creepy House, illustrated by award-winning artist Chris Riddell.

Schools in Witham were invited to compete for the summer reading cup for the first time, jointly financed by Witham Town Council and Witham Chamber of Commerce.

Bamber Price, deputy supervisor at Witham Library, said: “When the children read two books they got stickers, and when they got six they got a medal and a certificate sent to their school.”