THERE is much more than meets the eye for children in the borough’s libraries this summer thanks to Ollie’s Holiday Readathon and Trail.

They can help mascot Ollie the Alien fill his passport while collecting prizes and certificates by reading five books during the summer holidays.

Each child will receive a copy of Ollie’s passport when they visit their library.

They will get a sticker every time they read a book during the summer holidays and write or draw a small review in the passport, with five earning a small prize.

Where’s Ollie? trails will also challenge children to find 12 Ollies hidden in different holiday locations within the library, from Blackpool to the Eiffel Tower.

Cllr Jenny Bullen, Wigan Council’s portfolio holder for children and young people’s services, said: “The summer readathon put on by our libraries is a fun and enjoyable way for children to sustain and develop their reading over the long school holidays.

"Our libraries are packed full of enriching activities throughout the year, none more so than during the summer months.”

Free coding sessions for children aged six and above will also be held across the borough’s libraries this summer, giving children the opportunity to create online games starring Ollie.

For more information about summer holiday activities in libraries across the borough speak to library staff or e-mail servicedelivery@wigan.gov.uk.