A FIVE-YEAR-OLD from Torfaen will have his pick of toys after winning the top prize in a national reading challenge.

Archie Fielding was one of more than 450 children who took part in this year’s ‘Wild World Heroes’ Summer Reading Challenge 2021 run by Torfaen Libraries.

He was won a £100 gift voucher for Smyths Toy Store after his name was chosen at random from a list of 216 children who completed the challenge.

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The Summer Reading Challenge is a national competition run by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries. The challenge encourages families to visit their local library during the summer holidays and asks four to 11-year-olds to borrow and read any six library books during this time.

Archie’s mum, Nicole Fielding, 27, said: “We really enjoy visiting our local library, and we really enjoyed the Summer Reading Challenge.

“Archie was delighted to find out he had won the voucher and can’t wait to spend it.”

Free Press Series: Archie Fielding, the winner of Torfaen Libraries' Summer Reading Challenge 2021, with his mum Nicole Fielding. Picture: Torfaen council.Archie Fielding, the winner of Torfaen Libraries' Summer Reading Challenge 2021, with his mum Nicole Fielding. Picture: Torfaen council.

Archie, who is a pupil at Llantarnam Community Primary School, was presented with the voucher, together with a certificate and medal, at a special school assembly.

Cllr Joanne Gauden, executive member for skills, economy and regeneration, said: “Reading is such an important life skill, and if we can encourage young people to enjoy reading when they are young, hopefully they will continue to enjoy reading as they get older.

“I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in the challenge, especially Archie, who was lucky enough to be crowned the winner this year.”

You can find out more about the library service in Torfaen on their website, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter