BOOKWORMS from schools across the borough have been illustrating and writing their own tales as part of a fun-filled reading challenge at Merry Hill.

Pupils from Tenterfields Primary School in Halesowen were the latest to take part in the event, held at Waterstones as part of the shopping centre's eight-week Reading Rocks campaign - which aims to bring the magic of reading to life.

Tenterfields was one of ten borough schools invited to take part in the initiative, which will see the best stories printed on posters and displayed around the centre.

Youngsters from St James's Primary School in Wollaston also got involved.

Kelly Reed, Merry Hill marketing manager, said: "As 2008 is the National Year of Reading, we wanted to do something which helped to promote literacy in the community while showing just how much fun reading can be."

Launched on April 20, the Reading Rocks campaign continues - with children invited to create their own comic superheroes on Friday May 30 and Saturday May 31 between 10am and 4pm outside TK Maxx for a chance to win reading goodies.

Youngsters can also enjoy free superhero face painting at Playworld near Harry Ramsdens between 11am and 4pm on Sunday June 1.

And there's a free cinema screening of Disney Pixar favourite The Incredibles' at The Odeon at Merry Hill at 11am on Sunday June 1.

Tickets are available from the Customer Relations desk on the upper mall near Beaverbrooks or on 01384 487911 - subject to availability.

For more on Reading Rocks go to www.westfield.com/merryhill