Brent libraries have won a national award for encouraging adults to read.

The libraries, including Ealing Road Library and Kingsbury in Wembley, received a Reading Agency gold award after getting more adults than any other library service in the UK to complete its Six Book Challenge.

The challenge is a national programme which supports adults to improve their reading skills by completing six books of their choice over six months and keeping a reader's diary.

Participants, some which had never read a book before, were supported by library staff.

Last year 196 adult readers completed the challenge in Brent, earning the borough one of the Reading Agency’s three gold medals. 

Blossom Brooks, who took part in the reading challenge, said: "I really got into it - once I started reading, I couldn't stop.

“I didn't have a library card before I started doing the challenge. I now go every two weeks - in fact, you can't get me out of the library.”

Councillor James Powney said: "The gold award is a great testament to Brent Libraries and the dedication of staff and the service in encouraging and supporting more adults in the borough to read.

“I am very proud that last year we encouraged more adults than any other library service and came second behind one other organisation nationally. I hope more adults and older residents in the borough will sign up for the challenge in the future."