Enthusiastic youngsters helped Canvey library support a countywide bid to create the world's largest bookmark.

The attempt was organised by libraries throughout Essex as part of celebrations for the National Year of Reading.

People were asked to contribute homemade bookmarks to be displayed in their local library and eager Canvey bookworms took up the cause in the High Street library.

The total measurement from Canvey was 16,413cm. The figure will be now be added with scores from other libraries to provide a grand total.

Contributions were received from several schools including Leigh Beck, Winter Gardens, Canvey County juniors and infants and Noak Bridge infants.

A library spokesman said: "Three bookmarks came from as far away as Tokyo, from the grandchildren of a Canvey library reader."

Hanging around - librarians Sue Hampson and Barbara Taylor display youngsters' bookmarks at Canvey library

Picture: ANDY PALMER

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