RECORD numbers of students have completed the 2008 Premier's Reading Challenge.

The William Stimson Public School at Wetherill Park (students pictured above) helped boost the figures by doubling its student involvement in the past year alone.

Librarian and challenge co-ordinator, Elizabeth Carney, said 252 pupils took part this year.

Ms Carney said the teachers supported the challenge by setting aside more reading time in class. Not only were more children taking part in the challenge, but they were reading a more diverse range of books, she said.

The Premier's Reading Challenge Honour Roll will be published by The Sun-Herald next month, listing the name of every child who completed this year's challenge. Due to the record numbers taking part, the Honour Roll will be published in two parts and must be ordered through participants' schools.

Orders are now being taken. Parents are asked to contact their child's school to make sure they do not miss out.

The Premier's Reading Challenge is a NSW Government initiative, incorporating media partner The Sun-Herald, principal partner Dymocks Literacy Foundation and supporting partners Laubman & Pank and OPSM.