A record number of Islington residents have completed this year’s Six Book Challenge.

Certificates were presented to 127 people who read six books and recorded them in a diary – more than three times last year’s figure of 37.

The challenge is a nationwide initiative, run by The Reading Agency, which helps adults develop their literacy skills and get into the habit of reading for pleasure.

The 480 Islington residents who took part included older people who never had the opportunity to develop a love of reading when they were younger, students and people for whom English is not their first language.

The largest number of participants were women aged 25-44. with 77 per cent of all participants joining council libraries or City and Islington College.

Carmel Temple, who took part in the challenge, said: “I was proud to get my certificate.

“I’ve got more confidence and I use the library now. I read Roald Dahl and listened to audio books.”

Amber Munir, a GCSE English student, said: “I gained the confidence of serious reading. I also began regular reading and it seems like a habit. I want to read more. I loved this challenge.”