Somerset parents and carers have a short window this week to pick up a free copy of a special Beano comic from participating TGJones shops as part of the Department for Education-backed National Year of Reading 2026.
What’s being given away and why
Between 16 and 23 July, TGJones is distributing one of 50,000 limited-edition Beano issues nationally, with all seven of its Somerset branches taking part. The comic includes fresh stories featuring Dennis the Menace and Gnasher, plus contributions from sporting personalities. Copies are free while stocks last.
The giveaway is intended to encourage children to read for pleasure during the summer break and forms part of a broader literacy drive delivered with the National Literacy Trust.
"Comics make reading fun and that’s a superpower worth celebrating. We’re thrilled to be partnering with TGJones and supporting the National Year of Reading to help introduce as many kids as we can to the joy of picking up a Beano."
The quote above is from Mike Stirling, director of mischief at Beano, who emphasised comics as an engaging route into reading for young people.
Where to collect a copy in Somerset
Copies can be collected from the following TGJones locations in the county:
- Taunton – 47–50 Fore Street
- Yeovil – 10 Middle Street
- Frome – Unit 1–2 The Bridge
- Weston-super-Mare – 44 High Street, Sovereign Shopping Centre
- Nailsea – 27 Somerset Square
- Clevedon – 19 The Triangle
- Minehead – 20 The Parade
| Town | Store address |
|---|---|
| Taunton | 47–50 Fore Street |
| Yeovil | 10 Middle Street |
| Frome | Unit 1–2 The Bridge |
| Weston-super-Mare | 44 High Street, Sovereign Shopping Centre |
| Nailsea | 27 Somerset Square |
| Clevedon | 19 The Triangle |
| Minehead | 20 The Parade |
Additional offers and local context
Alongside the free comic, readers will find vouchers inside the issue, including a voucher for £1.50 off a future Beano issue and a discount code to buy the official Beano Joke Book online for £2.99. TGJones has positioned the promotion as a family-friendly way to support reading habits over the holidays.
Nationally, recent figures from the National Literacy Trust suggest a modest recovery in children’s interest in reading — the proportion of eight- to 18-year-olds who say they enjoy reading in their free time has risen for the first time in five years. TGJones’ own research cited in the campaign indicates children aged five to 12 are spending an average of 6.8 hours a week reading, a figure the retailer says compares favourably with time spent on gaming and outdoor play.
This short-term giveaway is an example of how retailers and publishers are working with national campaigns to reach families directly during school holidays. Those who want a copy should visit their local TGJones branch before Thursday 23 July or contact the store to check stock levels.
