Children's creativity is set to be sparked by puppet performances at Axminster Library as part of the Summer Reading Challenge.

The library event, put on by Libraries Unlimited, will see The Secret Keeper put on a captivating show with puppets made from natural materials such as driftwood, roots, feathers, and leaves.

This is part of a series of workshops and puppet performances across libraries in Devon and Torbay, all aimed at bringing the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge to life.

This year's theme is Marvellous Makers, focusing on creativity.

To take part, children must read six books of their choice.

They will then be rewarded with stickers, a medal, and a certificate upon completion of the challenge.

Sophie Crofts, reader development manager at Libraries Unlimited, said: "We know that keeping children reading through the summer holidays is vital for improving literacy and enjoyment of reading, and crucially, it improves their mental health and wellbeing.

"By having these engaging events in the library, it will help to keep children motivated.

"The puppets will bring the 'Marvellous Makers' theme to life, which we hope will make children want to dive back into it and keep their reading, and their creativity, going."

As part of the events, children will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops, including character creation and storytelling sessions.

These will be led by Paper Cinema and Travels with Grandad, who will be visiting libraries in Tavistock and Totnes.

Other performances featuring crankies (picture scrolls) and kamishibai (picture cards) will take place at Ilfracombe Library, while a bird-inspired puppet show will be staged at South Molton Library.

The events, funded by a £720,369 grant from Arts Council England, form part of a wider initiative to keep children engaged and reading over the summer months.

The full list of events is bookable through Eventbrite, with prices starting from as little as £2.

Libraries Unlimited runs 54 libraries across Devon and Torbay and promotes the Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge each year.

This initiative is aimed at helping children maintain their reading skills during the holiday period.

This year's challenge is being run in partnership with leading arts charity, Create.