A JUMBO coffee break will take place in the Elephant House at Knowsley Safari Park on Thursday, November 9 to raise money for Volunteer Reading Help (VRH).

The charity, which has branches nationwide, has been working in Knowsley for more than 25 years to help youngsters between six and 11 to improve their reading. The Knowsley Safari Park event is just one of hundreds of coffee mornings taking place nationwide.

Nichola Saunders, organiser of the Knowsley branch of VRH, said: "We help children to improve their reading in 23 schools across the borough working with more than 90 youngsters. Children benefit from one-to-one help and this volunteer scheme builds the child's confidence and interest in books.

"We are looking for more volunteers who have a few hours to spare each week to join our dedicated band. Come along to one of our coffee mornings to find out more -- it could be just the opportunity you are looking for to meet new friends, help a child and get something rewarding out of it yourself."

She added: "We do not expect our volunteers to teach children to read, we simply expect them to encourage children to pick up a book and enjoy reading it. No formal qualifications are needed to become a helper and training is given. All volunteers must be over 18 years. If you want to find out more call me on 0151 426 0568."

Meanwhile, drop-in coffee mornings will also be held at the new Tesco store in Prescot (10am to 12pm) and at local libraries on November 9.