Scientists, psychologists and English academics at Liverpool University have found that reading the works of the Bard and other classical writers has a beneficial effect on the mind, catches the reader’s attention and triggers moments of self-reflection.

Researchers found that reading poetry, in particular, increases activity in the right hemisphere of the brain, an area concerned with “autobiographical memory”, helping the reader to reflect on and reappraise their own experiences in light of what they have read. The academics said this meant the classics were more useful than self-help books.

Traditional fairytales are being ditched by parents because they are too scary for their young children, a study found.And 52 percent of the parents said Cinderella didn't send a good message to their children as it portrays a young woman doing housework all day.