TEACHERS in Stockton have been given the opportunity to gain greater skills to support children with dyslexia and reading difficulties.

Run by the Dyslexia Institute, the courses address the needs of pupils with dyslexia in the literacy hour and in classroom work.

Teachers are provided with materials developed by the institute, designed to help pupils of all ages overcome their difficulties with reading and spelling.

The courses have been backed by energy firm npower. Kevin Rodgers, npower's community relations manager for the North-East said: "A key aim of our community relations programme at npower is to provide wider opportu-nities for people by promoting learning for all ages.

"When we saw that a high number of children in the region are dyslexic or have reading difficulties, we decided to give our support to the Dyslexia Institute.

"We hope the courses have enabled teachers and special needs support staff to gain skills to help children with their reading and spelling difficulties.