A CARE home in Thorrington has welcomed schoolchildren for a day of reading with an author.

Pupils from St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary School in Colchester joined residents at Care UK’s Silversprings in Thorrington, to meet Essex author RJ Thompson.

Robert, who is also a police officer, was inspired to start writing by his daughter Bella and has since written and illustrated a series of children’s books called The Uncuddibles.

The team at Silversprings on Tenpenny Hill invited Robert and the children to take part in an intergenerational session, reading aloud and sharing their thoughts on the stories.

Donna Cousins, home manager, said: “Reading aloud has many therapeutic benefits for older people – it’s calming for those living with dementia, helpful for those with failing eyesight, and soothing for those who struggle to communicate. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Robert.”