CHILDREN’S author Terry Deary has spent time reading to sick youngsters.

The best-selling Horrible Histories writer was at the RVI’s Great North Children’s Hospital yesterday (Tuesday, Nov 17).

The visit was part of the Storytelling Project by the North-East charity, Henry Dancer Days.

The charity was set up by Jane Nattrass, in memory of her son, Henry, who lost his life to primary bone cancer in 2010, when he was 12.

Ms Nattrass, who lives near Lanchester, said: “Much of our funding comes from the people of the North-East so we want to invest more in our own region.

“In addition to continuing to give grants to families, we have commenced delivery of a storytelling project in North-East hospitals.

“This is open to children with all forms of cancer, not just bone cancer cases.

“We pay a professional storyteller, Shelley O’Brien, to work on our behalf and we give the books to the children.”

The charity, whose patron is football legend Alan Shearer, has supported about 180 families across the country affected by this form of cancer since it began in 2012. It funds trips, transport and general hardship grants.

Mr Deary, who lives at Burnhope, said: “Entertaining young people using stories is dear to my heart and seeing their reactions during Shelley's visits makes it clear that this idea is extremely worthwhile.

“It makes a wonderful change for children undergoing cancer treatment to enjoy some fun and distraction and Shelley is great at involving families in her sessions.”

More information can be found by logging on to henrydancerdays.co.uk or by contacting Ms Nattrass directly at henrydancerdays@aol.com or on 07947-668-993.