A LIVELY event aimed at getting even the most reluctant young readers to willingly bury their noses in a book is being held in Basildon.

Nikki Gamble, a lecturer, writer, and education consultant, will be running the seminar at the Towngate Theatre.

The event is a follow-up to a session at last month's Basildon Children's Book Festival.

The lecture, organised by the organisations Creative Partnerships and Thames Gateway, is intended for primary school teachers, but it is open the public.

It will take the form of a discussion about how to encourage and support the most reluctant of readers. Some of the issues addressed willinclude why some children avoid reading.

It was also explore if books can compete with other activities and media and if enough attention is given to girls who don't read.

Jules Easlea, communications project manager for Creative Partnerships, said: "Nikki Gamble specialises in children's literature, drama and arts education.

"She has a wealth of expertise in encouraging reading and will offer primary teachers some great new ideas for developing a passion for reading in even the most reluctant pupil."

The Reluctant Readers seminar will be taking place from 4.30pm to 6pm on Wednesday, April 23.

The session is free, but numbers are limited.

To find out more information about the event, which is called Reluctant Readers: Can read? Won't read?, call Suzanne Farenden on 01268 293703.