LAKESIDE shopping centre has donated £10,000 of books to hospitals and hospices across Essex.

Intu, which runs the centre in Thurrock, teamed up with the National Literacy Trust to help children and young adults improve their reading skills.

A colourful car drove around the county distributing books to poorly children at Little Havens Hospice, in Thundersley, Basildon, Orsett and Southend hospitals. A clown also performed magic tricks and read stories to the youngsters. Lisa Rootes, head of partnerships at the trust, said: “A hospital stay can be a very anxious time for patients and their families and our hope is that reading together will bring them some comfort.

“The donation has enabled the trust to provide literacy support to hospitals and hospices across the area.”

Donna Callandar, marketing manager at Lakeside, added: "The book donation project has touched everyone working on it. We have all either stayed in hospital, or know someone who has, and know just how much relief can come from having your mind taken off of being unwell. We are committed to supporting children and young adults improve their literacy levels and it has been a real privilege to work with the trust. We hope he books will provide hours of entertainment.”

Books were also donated to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Queen’s Hospital, Romford, and Demelza House Children’s Hospice, in Kent.