Reading enthusiasts are clubbing together today to read as many words as they can as part of Newport’s Big Read.

Readers can text or email the number of words they have read in, which could include recipe books, novels and text from the internet, and the overall results will be recorded on a 20 foot totaliser situated outside The Riverfront in Newport.

The word challenge is one of many activities taking place as part of Newport’s Big Read, which is being held as part of the National Year of Reading.

The day will also feature story-tellers, talks from screen writers and novelists, an art attack-style presentation by an illustrator and games and crafts for all ages.

Part of The Riverfront is being turned into a newsroom and children will be putting their thoughts on the city into film.

A competition will be held to find a young story-teller, up to the age of 13, who can perform their favourite story off by heart and the winner will be awarded a weekend trip to New York.

The activities begin at 10.30am at The Riverfront.

To contribute your word count call 01633 656656, email central.library@newport.gov.uk or text 07800 140886 between 10am and 4pm today.

Schools, businesses, organisations and individuals can all take part.