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Young readers are limbering up to take on a unique challenge.

Year 7 and 8 students at Epping St John’s Church of England School have been challenged to take part in a Reading Marathon and read a total of 26 books during the academic year.

They can opt to complete a half marathon with 13 books or take part in a reading relay with a group of friends.

Serife Horner, assistant headteacher and head of English, said: “Children have a real love of reading when they are in primary school and during the summer there seems to be a disconnect with some starting secondary school seeing it as a babyish thing to do.

“This is not an enforced activity; we want them to take part in the Reading Marathon because it is fun and they want to. We want them to discover a love of reading for pleasure again.”

A display board in the school will keep track of the marathon leaders, with the number of “miles” covered at the end of each half term recorded.

The school also takes part in the Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) scheme for all students.