The National Literacy Trust and Boots Opticians are calling on book lovers and baking enthusiasts to help give disadvantaged children the literacy skills they need to succeed, by holding a Tales and Teapots party.   The fundraising initiative, which was developed by Boots Opticians, launched last year when hundreds of people held parties across the UK. It encourages friends, family and colleagues to come together and share books they’ve enjoyed over a slice of cake, while raising money to support the National Literacy Trust’s work in the UK.   This year Tales and Teapots is being supported by author and Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, who has provided an exclusive recipe for party hosts and is encouraging baking and book fans across the country to get involved. Nadiya said:   “Hold a Tales and Teapots party and celebrate two of my favourite things – books and baking!  The funds you raise will go to an incredibly worthwhile cause – the National Literacy Trust’s work to give disadvantaged children books and a path to a successful future. I love sharing stories with my children and I hope there will be many parties across the UK to ensure that all children have the opportunity to enjoy reading and the world of stories too.”   Tea party hosts can register for a free party pack, which contains posters, invitations, balloons and decorations, at literacytrust.org.uk/talesandteapots. Recipes and other useful resources will also be available on the website.   The National Literacy Trust and Boots Opticians have been working together since May 2015 to highlight the links between eye health and literacy. Their partnership aims to improve the literacy skills and life chances of the UK’s most disadvantaged children.   Amy Grilli, Project Manager at the National Literacy Trust said: “For many of us, sitting down to enjoy a good book with a cup of tea is one of life’s simple pleasures, but for one child in seven in the UK there are no books of their own to read at home.   A Tales and Teapots party is a great chance to catch up with friends and share your favourite stories, while helping the National Literacy Trust inspire more children to enjoy reading. After a successful first year, we are delighted to be working with Boots Opticians on this exciting initiative again and hope to see even more people enjoying parties this June.”   Demonstrating their commitment to the initiative, every one of Boots Opticians’ 600* practices across the UK will host a Tales and Teapots party on 2 June 2017. Everyone who hosts a party and sends in their donations before 30 June 2017 will have the chance to win exciting prizes, including a fantastic box of books from Walker Books.   The money raised at Tales and Teapots parties across the country will give children and young people books to keep and empower them with the literacy skills they need to improve their employability and reach their full potential.   To sign up for a free party pack, visit literacytrust.org.uk/talesandteapots.