A GROUP of young bookworms have set themselves the challenge of reading 160 books to help the NHS.

Nine members of Abingdon Library book club, aged between eight to 12, have organised a sponsored readathon in an effort to raise nearly £800.

The children have not been able to meet at the library since the first lockdown began and have been meeting independently on Zoom instead.

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The book club wanted to do something to help and decided to use their love for books as a way to raise money.

The children are attempting to read 160 books between them over two months and hope to raise £750 for the NHS before the end of March. They have so far raised £630.

Readathon member Emma, 11, said: “I think that our readathon is amazing. It allows people to help the NHS, who are heroes, and also it helps you dive into books you might have never heard of. All this has made me so happy, even during these tragic times.”

Jess Williams works at Abingdon Library. She said: “The children’s message here is: reading is great for you and so is the NHS.”

To sponsor the book club's readathon, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/abc4nhs