Schools from across the Rochford district have claimed the honours after competing in a reading challenge this summer.

In total, more than 30,000 children took part in the challenge across Essex County Council libraries.

At Rayleigh Library, Downhall Primary School, Rayleigh, won the overall prize.

There were also prizes presented for Edward Francis Primary School, Rayleigh, Westerings in Hockley, and St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, Rochford.

Adam Stainsbury, viceprincipal at Westerings Primary Academy, said: “It’s not enough to just teach children to read, it’s our job to make reading a passion.

“With the support of our parents and local libraries, more and more children are falling in love with books."