A LITERACY charity which works with primary schools across the district to improve pupils' reading skills is seeking more volunteers.

Beanstalk team members go into schools to give one-to-one support to children struggling with their reading.

After receiving training, volunteers spend half an hour each with three youngsters at a local primary school twice a week during term time, for at least one academic year.

"Beanstalk reading helpers are local heroes within our communities and do so much more than just read," said Ginny Lunn, for the charity.

"They develop confidence and self-esteem in the children and very importantly help make reading fun and enjoyable.

"We regularly hear from volunteers who have had 'breakthrough' moments with a child.

"These moments are often the turning point for a youngster and happen as a result of regular and consistent reading opportunities.

"Our volunteers say how much they enjoy what they do and how rewarding it is to see the impact they have on the children they read with, but as demand for our support grows we urgently need more people to help us deliver our work."

For more details, visit beanstalkcharity.org.uk, e-mail info@beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call 0845 450 0307.