Hemel woman wins ‘Stories to Make You Smile’ special edition in World Book Night competition

A woman from Hemel Hempstead, who loves to read, was 'delighted' to hear that she had won Hemel Today's competition in partnership with Specsavers.

To mark World Book Night on Friday, April 23, The Reading Agency in partnership with Specsavers celebrated its 10th anniversary of this annual event which brings together people from all backgrounds for one simple reason – to inspire others to read more.

The Reading Agency is a national charity tackling life’s big challenges through the power of reading which brings people from all walks of life together.

To mark the occasion, a specially created edition of short stories with a special, ‘Books to Make You Smile’ theme with lead ambassador Sandi Toksvig was published.

The short stories featured were written by best-selling authors, with World Book Night celebrating books and sharing the benefits that reading for pleasure has on our lives.

To highlight the pleasure of reading, a competition was hosted by the Gazette and Express in partnership with Specsavers.

One lucky reader, Lucie Lim who works as an Examinations Officer for a Hemel Hempstead secondary school will receive a copy of this special edition, ‘Stories to Make You Smile’.

On hearing that she had won the competition Mrs Lim said: "I am delighted to have won. I just love entering competitions as I get a real buzz!

"I saw the World Book Night competition and thought it would be a great one to enter, as reading is one of my favourite past times.

"I have a very responsible and demanding job, so in my spare time and lunch breaks I usually read as I find it relaxing.

"One of my favourite authors that I am currently reading writes a mix of mystery and romantic thrillers.

"I find reading highly absorbing and it’s great for the imagination and creative mind. I’m looking forward to reading the short stories in this special edition book."

Lucie also won a Specsavers voucher - £149 in value - plus free eye test voucher.

The specially commissioned book, ‘Stories to Make You Smile’ is available on Amazon as a free eBook and the audiobook and is read by Adjoa Andoh, Hugh Bonneville, Samantha Bond and Madhav Sharma.