BOOKWORMS and readers are being encouraged to put their money where their mouth is and take part in Pershore Mayor's annual charity reading event.

Councillor Charles Tucker's Mayorathon is set to take place over 12 hours on Tuesday, March 4, from 9am at the Pershore Baptist Church.

The first event last year raised £1,500 and Cllr Tucker is hoping to make more than that this year but needs people to take part in five minute reading slots and is hoping he may get some celebrity readers.

All money raised from the event will go to the mayor's charity, the Acquired Aphasia Trust.

He said: "I want at least 144 readers to take part and need to recruit them now. The event involves individuals and groups being sponsored to read favourite pieces, poems, stories, drama - whatever they want.

"I am now recruiting my readers - from as many organisations in the town as I can reach. All Pershore's schools will be taking part I hope, as well as others from outside the town - and including students from the Acquired Brain Injury unit at Evesham.

"I hope we'll get some celebrity readers as well."

For each five minute slot people will pay a minimum of £5 sponsorship.

Registration and sponsorship forms are available at Pershore Town Hall or by calling 01386 561561 or 01386 462441.