A new website and campaign to encourage young people to visit and use their local library has been launched in Staffordshire.

The new Kids zone website aims to help children discover books and the wider support available through Staffordshire Libraries.

The website - brought to life by colourful cartoon characters designed by young people - features links to activities, information about upcoming events, details on the Reading Well for Children initiative and more.

Following the submission of more than 300 entries by children aged nine to 17, the winning characters are Reggie the Monster, who loves funny books; Matilda, who is curious and passionate about facts; McKenzie, a young volunteer who discovers the characters in the library; Sparkle the Mouse, who enjoys magical stories; and Rami the Owl, who is wise and eager to share knowledge.

Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: "The new-look webpages and characters look fantastic and are all about getting more children using and enjoying their local library and services.

"The characters have all been designed by young readers, for young readers, and look great. Together, they represent the wide range of reading experiences available through Staffordshire Libraries, from humour and adventure to facts and learning. The creativity shown has been fantastic."

Life-sized cardboard cutouts of the characters will be touring the libraries across Staffordshire, while smaller cutouts will be displayed in the children's area of every county council library.

Hayley Coles added: "Libraries play such an important role in inspiring children, and I can't wait to see many more visiting the website and their local library.

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"The timing is also great as the Summer Reading Challenge is underway and getting more children into the libraries and borrowing books."

Find the new children's website here.