YATTON Keynell Pre-school has set up a listening corner to help children take their first steps in reading, thanks to a £300 grant from the charitable trust of opticians Haine and Smith.

The pre-school, which meets in Yatton Keynell village hall, installed the listening corner before the half-term break in October. It comprises a tape player, with cassettes and headphones, for between two and four children to listen to at a time.

It also has a sofa and a chair so that adults can sit with the children.

"It is already in operation and the children love it," said Sara Tedds, chairman of the pre-school.

"It gives them the opportunity to start reading because they can follow a story and listen to the words at the same time. The headphones allow the children a bit of privacy while there is so much going on in the hall."

Mrs Tedds said the pre-school caters for a total of 40 children, about 18 for each session, which take place between 9am-12pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. An afternoon session is held on Fridays between 12.30-3pm.

"We rely on donations and fundraising to keep the group going and maintain high standards," said Mrs Tedds. "We are delighted with this grant."