A Hertfordshire-based learning disability charity will be running sessions at St Albans Library to help make the annual Summer Reading Challenge more accessible.

The Ups on Downs charity hopes the sessions will encourage its member to experience the joy of reading regardless of ability level. 

Run by Jan Hopcroft and her 14-year-old daughter Rose, the sessions will begin next Tuesday (July 16) and take place at 6pm every Tuesday throughout the summer holidays.

The sessions will take place at a time when the library is quieter to prevent children with sensory issues from becoming overwhelmed.

Jan told the Herts Ad: "My idea was to open out the summer reading and spread it wider. Our kids are never going to be the best readers but they're often very avid enjoyers of books.

"The reading challenge isn't just for the 'top readers', but anyone who enjoys books and I want to encourage as many of our members and other people in the learning disabled community to get involved."

She explains that parents often tell her that groups and clubs stop during the summer, leaving children at a loose end.

Jan's hope is to create a community that will forge lasting friendships and ensure that the children's social skills and reading ability don't regress during the long six week break.

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She explains: "I want to make it a more social event and get our young people talking about what they're reading. We're going to tailor the sessions to everyone's individual needs, so that it's inclusive for all.

"Enjoying six picture books is completing the challenge in the same way as somebody reading six Booker Prize nominated books."

As well as discussing books, Jan and Rose will provide a range of activities, including arts and crafts and wordsearches, themed around the love of reading.

While Ups on Downs typically works with children born with Down's syndrome, the six sessions are open to any child or teenager with a learning disability of any kind.