A record number of young people volunteers in the borough’s libraries helped others complete the Summer Reading Challenge this year.

And on Wednesday (7 October) Thurrock Council’s libraries’ team marked their success at their now annual celebration event at the Thameside Theatre in Grays.

For the fourth year running, the number of young people – aged between 13 and 23 – has gone up so this summer there were 70 volunteers supporting library staff in delivering the ever-popular challenge to children.

In all, 1,388 hours were volunteered with most offering more than the 15 hours requested.

Thurrock Council leader and libraries portfolio holder Cllr John Kent, said: “I know the value of this scheme, my daughter took part a couple of years ago and it was a great experience for her.

“There is little more satisfying than reading a good book and these young people’s efforts have made a contribution not only to their own growth and education, but to the hundreds and thousand of children to took part in the challenge. Well done to them all.”

And the Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Gray, was at the Thameside on Wednesday. She said afterwards: “The library staff were full of praise for the volunteers, highlighting their enthusiasm, commitment, friendliness, adaptability, and good communication skills.”

She added: “The council’s libraries have a long history of working with volunteers in a wide variety of roles. I’m told there are over 100 people helping staff do everything from combatting social isolation, to improving computer skills, and encourage literacy and social/communication skills through baby rhyme times and book groups.”

If you would like more information about the current library volunteer roles available – or any of the other volunteering opportunities available - log onto thurrock.gov.uk/volunteering