A TRAFFORD Council initiative to encourage more youngsters to take part in a library reading challenge has proved to be out of this world!

Record-breaking numbers of pupils from across the borough took part in the Space Chase Summer Reading Challenge.

Overall, 2,700 started the challenge — an increase of 10 per cent on last year. And 73 per cent finished — the highest number ever and a whopping 27 per cent more than last year.

All children who finished were entered in a draw for three prizes; a Kindle Fire HD (kindly donated by engie), a set of Roald Dahl books and a Nasa space station lego kit. Author Steve Skidmore presented the winners with their prizes and hosted three medal ceremonies at Sale, Altrincham and Urmston libraries.