More than children ever before took part in a summer reading challenge across the county.

Hertfordshire County Council's library service saw 21,681 children completing their Summer Reading Challenge this year, compared to last year's 20,022.

This year's challenge was Animal Agents and children were asked to read six books while solving a mystery at the same time, collecting stickers featuring the clues they needed.

Terry Douris, who oversees education, libraries and localism for Hertfordshire County Council, said: "We are delighted that yet again, we had a record-breaking number of children taking part.

"The reading challenge provides children with a wonderful opportunity to discover a love of reading, and it’s especially nice that they get rewarded for something they enjoy."

All children who completed the challenge received a medal and certificate, as well as the opportunity to win a ticket for an author event in October.

The Animal Agents theme's crime-busting creatures were designed by Tony Ross, the illustrator of Horrid Henry and many of David Walliams’ children's books.