A WRITING group in Tyldesley will show off their creative talents in support of disadvantaged children later this week.

The ‘Write-a-thon’ - organised by Tyldesley Creative Writers - takes place on Thursday (February 1).

The group consists of people aged from their early thirties to over ninety. 

The write-a-thon is the latest in a range of projects the writing group has been involved in.

Recently, they have produced two books, run events where they have performed their own, held competitions, and hosted guest speakers.

You can donate to support the group’s write-a-thon on their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tcw-writeathon.

Sarah Garratt, the group's chairperson, said: "A write-a-thon is like a marathon, but writing, not running.

"Our group will spend two hours writing short stories and poems for children, which we will then collect into a booklet. We have been training hard and I know our members are keen to raise as much money as possible for this worthy cause.

"Anyone donating £5 or more can submit their own story for children if they would like to."

The National Literacy Trust aims to empower people with the literacy skills they need to succeed in life.

Lauren Nightingale from the Trust said: "This sounds like such a brilliant idea; it really demonstrates how to fundraise in a creative way.

"Tyldesley Creative Writers support enables us to continue our work to give everyone the literacy skills they need to succeed, breaking the cycle of poverty and low literacy."

Leigh MP James Grundy met members of Tyldesley Creative Writers to find out more about their work and to show his support for the write-a-thon.

He said: "It was great to have recently met with Sarah Garratt, Chair of the Tyldesley Creative Writers, to discuss this upcoming write-a-thon.

"As part of National Literacy Week, I believe this is a great way to improve literacy and also to bring people in Tyldesley together for an enjoyable community event.

"I would like to ask everyone to support the group in providing people with the literacy skills they need and to please donate to this upcoming sponsored event."

You can view their activities on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TyldesleyCreativeWriters.