GOLBORNE branch of the Compassion in Action charity is home to a group inspired by reading.

Every Tuesday morning from 10am until 11.30am sessions are held by the Reader Organisation, a national charity which uses shared reading as a practical way to develop mental health and wellbeing connecting people through literature.

Such sessions have helped some of the most vulnerable and excluded people in society, including prisoners and people suffering from dementia and severe depression, as well as company employees, library members, students, parents, people entering retirement and those at risk of isolation.

Pam Gilligan, of Compassion in Action, and regular attender Stephen Timms of the Rotary Club of Leigh, said their two organisations were pleased to support the group.

One of the reading group members James Ward, explained: “I have always had problems reading since childhood and have been helped by coming here every week and reading a short story or novel. It is like a little family and everyone is made to feel welcome without any pressure.”

MP Andy Burnham dropped in to see how the sessions worked and said: ” This is a brilliant way to bring people together and share thoughts and feelings. The group is friendly and welcoming and I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with them. I am grateful to the Reader Organisation, the Rotary Club of Leigh and Compassion in Action for the support they give.”

* Anyone who wants to join should contact Val Hannan via Compassion in Action on 01942 729506 or turn up at 1 Railway Road, Golborne at 10am on Tuesdays.