FEELING the Dragons skin and prodding Trolls eyeballs were just some of the fun activities on offer at a Dragon-themed day at Saffron Walden Library. The King s Street facility offered children the chance to feel in the boxes – which also included squeez

FEELING the Dragons skin and prodding Trolls' eyeballs were just some of the fun activities on offer at a Dragon-themed day at Saffron Walden Library.

The King's Street facility offered children the chance to feel in the boxes - which also included squeezing Giant's fingers, feeling Fairy dust and touching Wizards eyes -enter a colouring competition and enjoy a storytime session.

Youngsters also got the chance to enter the Dragon's Lair to discover the dragon and his treasure.

The activities formed a Dragon's Party, part of Essex County Council Libraries' Summer Reading Challenge which this year has the theme of Quest Seekers and Fantasy World.

A library spokesman said: "The idea of these events is to bridge the gap during the holidays - to make reading fun and encourage children to continue read though the holidays. It also helps to bring books to life.

"The Dragon's Party was very successful and very well attended."

Dovetailing the event, the county council's Family Information Service was on hand to provide parents with information on issues such as child care options and returning to education or work. Information was also offered on what events and activities are available for parents and children in the area during the holidays.