A READING group is set to free the 'magic' of storytime from the confines of childhood.

Literary lovers of all ages can try out new reading sessions in Oxford, in which members listen as someone reads aloud.

The Reading Round group will see professional author Tim Pears lead free weekly meets at The Oxford Academy in Littlemore.

Mr Pears, who lives in North Oxford, said: "It's a lovely alternative to a book group, which have become really popular.

"It's very different to when you sit down and listen to an author reading their work; that's almost like an artistic performance.

"When you listen to someone reading a story, it takes you back to childhood. It is really magical."

Funded and pioneered by the Royal Literary Fund (RLF) charity, Reading Round groups take place across the country and have been pitched as a reading group 'without the homework'.

Mr Pears, whose award-winning novels include Landed and his debut In the Place of Fallen Leaves, will take the first Oxford session on Wednesday, September 13.

The father-of-two said: "It's completely open to anybody who loves stories.

"A lot of people belong to a group whereby they read a novel over a month and meet up – this is a variation on that."

Rather than reading prior to the group and using the meeting solely for discussion, people will listen to the words being read then analyse the content.

Mr Pears, 60, said reading out loud offered a different take on more traditional reading groups.

He said: "It's something that has always fascinated me: when someone is reading something, are they hearing it? My wife says she knows when I am reading because I'm moving my lips. I like to chew the words and test them; I'm a slow reader. There are different ways of reading, some people scan very quickly.

"Because you know you're going to discuss it afterwards, you listen with particular keenness."

The sessions cover a range of short stories and poems, either from a list recommended by the RLF or from members' own choosing.

The Royal Literary Fund website says: "The broad aim [of Reading Round] is to familiarise its members with excellent and inspiring writing and – for those who are already keen readers – to introduce them to a wider range of literature than they might have discovered alone.

"For many participants, the group provides a valuable opportunity to meet with other word lovers in a friendly, stimulating and relaxed environment."

The group will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6.15pm until 7.45pm, at the school in Sandy Lane West.

For more information call Mr Pears on 01865 552605 or email pearznik@gmail.co.uk.