CRIME novelist Andrew Taylor revealed his earliest reading memories to the AGM of a charity which helps adults who have difficulty reading and writing.

The internationally renowned author from Coleford spoke about his early reading of Janet and John and Noddy books at the Forest Read Easy Deal (FRED) event, and how the Gothic mystery stories he consumed later helped inspire his writing imagination.

The well supported meeting also heard him explain the background to his new book The Last Protector, the fourth Marwood and Lovett historical crime novel, which will be published on April 2 next year.

Ian Storrar, the president of the Royal Forest of Dean Rotary, and his colleague John Freeman, also attended and were thanked for a kind donation of £500 to help the work of FRED.

THE AGM was told of work that has gone on in the last year providing one-to-one free tuition to adults who have difficulty reading and writing, and how learning to read fluently had transformed lives.

It is believed that as many as 5,000 people in the Dean continue to have difficulty reading and the main challenge continues to be encouraging people who would benefit to come forward and participate.

If you feel FRED can help, then please phone the confidential contact line to get a free assessment on 07746 371353 or email [email protected]