A BOOKSHOP in Letchworth GC has gathered an army of volunteers who aim to read the whole of The Bible in around 80 hours.

The Christian Bookshop in Leys Avenue will host the event which will see volunteers read out loud to visitors in the shop for 15 minutes before passing onto the next person over a two-week period leading up to Easter.

Named Word Aloud, the recital celebrates the 400th anniversary of the first commissioned English Bible, also known as the Authorised or King James version.

Mike Foster, shop manager, said: “We are excited about the opportunity to celebrate a book that has been such an important influence on society in this nation and abroad for so long. We welcome people to just come to listen or take part.”

Word Aloud starts on Saturday, April 9, at 2.30pm and carries on during shop opening hours until the whole book - from front to back - has been read.

For more information visit www.wordaloud.webeden.co.uk or pop into the store.