FAMILIES were treated to fun puppet show that encouraged youngsters to read and express themselves artistically.

Home-Start Harwich and Manningtree's Grand Theatre of Lemmings hosted George the Bookworm in Parkeston Railway Club on Wednesday.

George the Bookworm is 45-minute show that sees its namesake lead a host of activities based on stories.

Wendy Taylor, manager at Home-Start Harwich, expressed her gratitude to the theatre team for the show.

She said: “The Grand Theatre of Lemmings reached out to us for a private performance just for Home Start families and we jumped at the opportunity.

“The show was brilliant and really funny, there was some adult humour as well which meant there was something for everyone to enjoy.

“After the show there were craft activities for the children and they got to make their own bookmarks as the performance itself encouraged reading.”

The show involved all the word’s falling out of George’s book and the task of the audience was to get the words back into his book by reading as much as possible.

Attendees quickly skimmed through 300 books in 10 minutes to gradually fill up George’s book and complete the task.

Wendy added: “It was a great way to encourage children to read books because they read while staying active instead of staying in one spot.

“Everyone got involved, grabbing books frantically and a little girl even ended up reading one out loud which was nice.”

It was part of a series of events hosted by Home Start Harwich to help families throughout the summer holidays.

Other events included a sports day in Parkeston Welfare Park, an educational dinosaur day in Bobbit’s Hole, a walk from Cliff Park to Harwich and Dovercourt Rugby Club with activities and ice cream, an event in the woods and three days of beach school.

Wendy added: “We are grateful for all the support we have received in organising and running these events.

“Demand has increased heavily and our referral rate has tripled in the past three years as a result.

“If you would like to get involved with Home-Start please call 01255 556230.”