Parents in Solihull have a new trick up their sleeve for getting children to spend more time with their noses in a book, and there's a sweet reward waiting at the end.

Cake Box Birmingham Shirley is taking part in Books & Bakes, a reading challenge that gives children up to the age of 11 years old a free cupcake every time they clock up 200 minutes of reading.

Families can pick up a Books & Bakes tracker from the local store and use it to keep tabs on reading time at home.

Once children hit the 200-minute mark, they can take their completed tracker back to Cake Box and claim a free cupcake.

And it doesn't stop there.

Young readers can complete the challenge up to three times, meaning 600 minutes of reading could earn them three free cupcakes in total.

Each stage needs to be signed off by a parent, guardian or teacher, with store staff marking the tracker once your little one's treat has been claimed.

The idea is to give children a little extra motivation to keep turning the pages, whether they're racing through a favourite series, getting stuck into a school book or discovering something completely new.

Books & Bakes trackers can also be shared with local schools, libraries and clubs, helping more families in the community take part.

Sukh Chamdal, CEO of Cake Box, said: "We love celebrating little wins, and getting stuck into a good book is definitely one of them.

"Books & Bakes gives children something fun to work towards and hopefully makes reading time feel that bit more exciting.

"Whether they're discovering a new favourite character or simply reading a little more each week, we think that deserves celebrating."

Books & Bakes is available at all Cake Box stores until 30 November 2026, and for children up until the age of 11.

Families in Solihull can pick up a tracker from Cake Box Birmingham Shirley, 265 Stratford Road, Solihull.

Cake Box is the UK's leading retailer of handmade, fresh cream egg-free cakes. Its 290+ stores nationwide offer beautifully handcrafted celebration cakes and sweet treats for every occasion.

Stores also offer quick and beautiful personalisation, for an extra special touch.

Visit www.cakebox.com to find your local store or click and collect in as little as one hour.