EIGHT youngsters were wowed by an interactive storytelling session thanks to a children’s hospice.

Siblings of children helped by Demelza hospice in Lewes attended the special event at Barcombe Village Hall which was run by Bag Books – a charity specialising in sensory storytelling experiences.

The youngsters involved were brothers and sisters of children who are helped by Demelza’s hospice at home care service, as well as one child who accesses respite from the charity and their two siblings.

Storyteller Bernard Tagliavini, pictured left, brought his series of tales to life with the use of props, allowing him to interact with the awe-struck audience. He then finished the session with energetic games, allowing the children to blow off some steam.

Jayne Biddle, Demelza community family support worker, said: “A huge thank-you to Bernard, Bag Books and Children in Need for making this event possible.

“It was great to be able to give the brothers and sisters of the children we support at Demelza a bit of a treat.

“They all had a fantastic afternoon and there was lots of laughter.”

Demelza Hospice Care for Children offers a hospice-at-home service for children across East Sussex.

Specialist children’s nurses go directly into the family home to provide care, crisis intervention, an on-call service and respite.