DENNIS the Menace and his friends were ready for mischief when they made a surprise visit to Haslemere Library on Saturday.

Dressed up as their favourite Beano characters library staff celebrated the launch of the Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge by hosting a special fancy dress day.

It heralded the start of Surrey Libraries 2018 Summer Reading Challenge with this year’s theme inspired by the much-loved children’s comic The Beano which is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

Aimed at children aged between four and 11 years it is for everyone regardless of their reading ability.

Taking part is easy and free and young bookworms just need to visit library or any other to sign up.

Children will be able to follow clues to explore their colourful collector’s map of Beanotown and meet Dennis, Gnasher and friends along the way.

Children who sign up can borrow books through the summer and earn special stickers to help find the mysterious buried treasure, and other free rewards along the way.

And as an extra bonus after they have read six books they get a certificate and a wristband.

A wealth of activities at Haslemere Library over the summer holiday’s include Beano themed bunting to colour and treasure hunts as well as some bookable craft activities.

Perfect for all “Mischief Makers is the ‘Decorate a Library Bag’ craft activity on Friday, August 10. The messy craft sessions run throughout the day.

Read whatever you like is the message – fact, fiction, joke books or poetry, from the excellent range and children can even borrow audio books and listen if they prefer.

Taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge helps children to become more fluent, confident and happy readers.

Alternatively look out for some Beano-themed craft sessions.

For more details and to book a place contact Haslemere Library in Wey Hill, next to Tesco’s.