A group of teen reading hacks at Y Lolfa in Gwaun cae Gurwen have been successful in gaining funding for a project called Space Amaze.

The Neath Port Talbot Youth Fund has awarded the youngsters £500 to organise a series of events over the summer at GCG Library to support the annual Summer Reading Challenge.

The Summer Reading Challenge asks 4-11-year olds to borrow and read any six library books over the summer.

The theme for the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge is Space Chase, inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

Children will team up with futuristic family The Rockets for an exciting space mission as they track down books nabbed by a mischievous band of aliens.

As children read library books for the Summer Reading Challenge, they will receive special stickers, some with mysterious smells.

By adding these stickers to their collectable mission folders, young readers will help the Rockets solve clues, dodge asteroids and discover the missing books, having lots of fun and adventures along the way.

To take part in Space Chase, all children need to do is sign up at their nearest Neath Port Talbot library, where they will be given a collector folder to keep a record of their Summer Reading Challenge journey.

15-year-old Nicki Bansi, who is leading Y Lolfa’s Space Amaze project, said: "The reason that we all volunteer here at the library is to encourage young children to read more and improve their imagination and creative skills, therefore we are overjoyed to receive this grant as it will allow us to do this in numerous ways.

“With this money we hope to conduct a series of events which will appeal to young children and get them to read more.

“Not only will these events help the children but also bring the community closer together. This grant really will be a big help to us all and we are very excited to get started."

Space Chase launches on Saturday, July 13 with Mad Science Lab in Y Lolfa at 10am.

The reading challenge runs until mid-September.

There’s a whole programme of events and activities planned at this volunteer run community library for children and families over the summer to celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge, including a fun afternoon, space and solar events, stories and crafts.

Lucy Harrison, GCG Library coordinator, said: "Last year we had the most fun with our Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge.

“This year promises to be out of this world.

“Over 100 people came to the launch event but we don't have as many places this year, so come early to avoid disappointment.”

For more information about the reading challenge call 01269 825904.