A SOMERSET MP has been pursuing a rather different summer reading challenge in recent weeks – following around a mobile library.

Anna Sabine (Lib Dem, Frome & East Somerset) came up with the idea to visit oft-neglected parts of the constituency during the Parliamentary summer break.

The MP has been following the Somerset Mobile Library to a number of regular stops, including in Leigh-on-Mendip, Coleford and Stoke St Michael.

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She said: “It was a real pleasure to spend time with the brilliant Ken and the mobile library, speaking to local residents who came out to use the service.

“The mobile library is a lifeline in our rural villages, offering access to books, information and a sense of connection for many people.

“It was brilliant to see how many people came in swapping piles of books at a time, and they have a great range of kids and audio books too.

“Initiatives like this that help reduce isolation, help to keep communities thriving and I was delighted to piggy back on it to get to meet many villagers and chat as well.”

The Liberal Democrat’s summer tour continues in the coming weeks, with further pop-up surgeries, community visits and opportunities for residents to speak to their MP directly planned.