A series of events aimed at getting youngsters reading is underway across Bolton, with a new robotic assistant helping out.

This comes with Bolton Libraries and Museum Services having launched the Summer Reading Challenge which encourages children to read at least six books over the course of their school holidays.

This year the challenge is themed around science and technology, with a group of youngsters at Farnworth Library getting into the spirit of things by building a cardboard and tinfoil robot named Geoffrey.

A statement from Bolton Library and Museum Services said: “The Summer Reading Challenge in partnership with the Science Museum Group is now in full swing across Bolton!

“Geoffrey was created and named by the children who took part in our Build a Robot event today at Farnworth.

“Thank you to everyone who took part.

“Pop in to your local library to sign up free for the Summer Reading Challenge and join in with one of our free activities.”

This is one of several events being run all across Bolton as part of the challenge which will be running over the coming weeks.

To find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge, go to Bolton Library and Museum’s Services Facebook page.