THOUSANDS of medals were awarded to children who read their way through a summer reading challenge.

A three percent rise on the number of medals awarded to children was seen across the borough as 1,976 children were awarded for reading six books this year compared to 1,910 last year.

Some of the medal winners were treated to a royal-themed celebration event at the Redbridge Central Library, in Clements Road, Ilford.

Children dressed as princes and princesses and heard stories from storytellers.

The Summer Reading Challenge takes place in libraries across Redbridge and encourages children to develop a lifelong love of reading.

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