After the cut and thrust of Commons debates, reading stories to 30 pre-school children was a piece of cake for Castle Point MP Christine Butler .

She was invited along to Benfleet library in High Road, to judge paintings drawn by a number of pre-schools.

The eventual winner was the Hawkesbury pre-school from Long Road, Canvey, with the Richmond playgroup, which is based in a school across the road from the library, winning both second and third place.

Mrs Butler also spent time reading to the under-fives. Library manager June Elmes said Mrs Butler was a natural with the children.

"She did very well reading to them all and was particularly good with the children. The children listened as she read them two stories and answered her questions about the people and objects in the books."

Artwork - Mrs Butler admites paintings by four-year-olds Ryan Silvers and Mary Gregson

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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