YOUNGSTERS with dyslexia will get more support thanks to a lottery-funded scheme.

A grant from the Big Lottery is helping Dyslexia Action North East to provide young people aged 16 to 19 with intervention to boost their skills and confidence, which in turn will help them learn more independently.

The Catch Up Club involves an online literacy support programme with tutors able to monitor progress remotely.

Project manager Kay Bowes said: "Dyslexia Action North East is very grateful to Big Lottery for this funding as we will be able to re-engage more young people in the Tees Valley area whose literacy skills are preventing them from fulfilling their potential."

The programme is due to be re-launched at the end of this month, marking the start of the second round of a three-year programme funded to the tune of nearly £380,000.

Mrs Bowes added: “The programme will endeavour to help young people become independent learners and help to motivate them to take steps towards recovery and stop perceiving themselves as 'failing' in life.

“This initiative will also provide resources, training and information to parents, professionals and local communities.”

Participants and their parents are offered volunteering opportunities with full training.

The Catch-up Club is looking for partners to work with, including schools, colleges, youth services and local authorities.

Any youngster who is interested in benefitting from the scheme, in confidence, or potential partners should call 0300 303 2017.