Young bookworms who flocked to libraries across the county over the summer have read over 80,000 books, and raised £5,000 for Keech Cottage Hospice.

The Whitbread-sponsored Reading Mission invited children to become reading agents over the holiday period.

Once they read six books they received a certificate, after 12 books they got a medal and after 18 a secret message pen for Whitbread donated 5p for every book that was borrowed.

All the children who completed the different levels of the challenge had their stamped cards placed in a draw. Prize winners received their awards at a presentation at Keech Cottage hospice.

Councillor Bob King, Beds County Council's cabinet member for community services, said: "This challenge was obviously a lot of fun for all who took part and I am sure children in Bedfordshire discovered what fun and entertaining places their local libraries can be as well as raising money for a very worthy cause."