A retired nursery manager is bringing free storytime sessions to one of the region’s most popular family attractions to help more children pick up early reading and listening skills.

• The free, indoor storytime mornings will take place on Tuesdays in October.
• The sessions are aimed at under-5s, but suitable for children of all ages.
• The launch coincides with the return of Coombe Abbey Park's Kids Eat Free offer, giving one free meal with every adult meal purchased. 

Claire Baughan, from Long Lawford, is launching Storytime at the Café in the Park, to help provide young families with a break from screen time and a chance to socialise as part of a cost-effective day out at the popular countryside park.

The free storytime mornings, which take place inside the indoor play area, will begin on Tuesday 29 September with Michael Rosen’s We're Going on a Bear Hunt, followed by Erica Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Tuesday 13 October and Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson on Tuesday 27 October.

The drop-in sessions start at 10.30am and are free to attend, with children invited to settle in for a story before taking away a picture to colour in at home, in the café, or during their adventures around Coombe Abbey Park.

The sessions are designed to be relaxed and, while aimed at under-5s, are suitable for children of all ages.

The launch coincides with the return of Coombe Abbey Park’s Kids Eat Free offer, giving one free children’s meal with every adult meal purchased, available Monday to Thursday during term time.

Find out more about Coombe Abbey Park here.