The three-year-old from South Shields has picked up the Gold Book Crawl certificate at the Central Library in the town centre.

The gold certificate is given out to under-fives who complete the Bookstart Book Crawl in their local library – visiting and borrowing books from their local library more than 40 times.

Josh has been visiting the library regularly since he was a baby, taking part in the rhyme times and story events that are held for tots every week.

To complete the Bookstart Book Crawl, youngsters collect stickers every time they visit the library and borrow a book to read. For every four stickers the child receives a certificate.

Once they have collected 10 certificates they receive a limited edition gold certificate.

Clare Craig, early years librarian, said: "An early introduction to books and reading is a real advantage to children.

"The Bookstart Book Crawl is a great incentive for the under-fives – it help to develop good book sharing habits and regular visits to the library as part of the weekly routine.

"It's great fun for the children. They love being rewarded, collecting stickers and choosing the certificates.

"Lots of parents like to put the certificates up at home as the pictures on them are so appealing."