A YOUNG book-lover from Drewsteignton has completed a marathon eight-hour reading challenge for charity by reading four novels in one sitting.

Ten year old Tilly Dixon, a year six pupil at Chagford Primary School, was inspired to undertake the epic read after watching a report on the East Africa famine victims on the BBC's Newsround programme.

Tilly read three novels by Michael Morpurgo in her challenge — 'The Wreck of the Zanzibar', 'Private Peaceful' and 'Long Way Home', and 'The Children's Odyssey' by Professor A J Church.

She said: 'I wanted to do something to raise money and thought that as reading is something I really enjoy, this would be a good way.'

Tilly's efforts raised a fantastic £201 and the money will be split evenly between the East Africa Appeal and the Devon Air Ambulance.