The 2013 Summer Reading Challenge, which took as its theme ‘a creepy house with creepy characters’, saw 144 children register and 101 complete the programme designed to encourage young people to discover the world of books, stimulate their creativity and widen their reading range.

Supported by the Henry Bloom Noble Library for the seventh year in succession and sponsored, once again by Scottish Widows, the challenge culminated in a prize presentation at which Her Worship the Mayor of Douglas Councillor Carol Malarkey JP congratulated the children on their efforts which required them to read six books and make three visits to the library to attend a range of Creepy House workshops during their summer break from school.

Her Worship presents the prizes, with the help of Mayoress Councillor Sara Hackman. the library's Shirley Moore 'The Witch' and Barbara Entwisle

2013 is the sixth successive year of sponsorship by Scottish Widows. Managing director Juan Clarke (pictured) said: ‘Creepy House was a fantastic theme that brought out some amazing creativity in the children, who were inspired by the amazing workshops arranged by the library’s Shirley Moore, to whom we are all indebted for devoting so much time and effort to making the children’s visits so enjoyable and educational.’

Linda Mann was presented with a bouquet for her 'bewitching' story tellingBefore the certificates, medals and prizes were awarded - and to maintain the Creepy House mood - local writer, publisher and storyteller Linda Mann, dressed as a witch, told a suitably creepy tale that involved much audience participation in the form of enthusiastic cackling.

Mr Clarke added: ‘We’ve been pleased to sponsor the Summer Reading Challenge in partnership with the library these past six years; we are a business that chooses not only to donate funds but also to “roll its sleeves up” and encourage colleagues to volunteer for worthy projects such as this.’

The Summer Reading Challenge is an initiative of independent charity The Reading Agency. Research shows the challenge increases children’s reading confidence and helps combat any dip in literacy levels during the break from school.

Her Worship the Mayor Councillor Carol Malarkey, the Mayoress, Councillor Sara Hackman, the library's Shirley Moore, Councillor Stan Cain, deputy mayor and Sheila Cain, deputy mayoress, and Scottish Widows managing director Juan Clarke with Creepy House entrants Kylie-Louise and Minkie-Lea Rutherford, five and six respectively