AN army of volunteers are needed to create confident readers at primary schools in Darlington.

School children who have fallen behind with their reading, struggle and lack confidence are being helped by volunteers via the Beanstalk initiative.

The reading charity is urgently calling for more people to join them in giving primary pupils a love of reading that will last throughout their lives.

Beanstalk hopes to have more volunteers trained and ready to begin supporting the children from January. The volunteers will be trained before Christmas to help three children for 30 minutes twice a week, over the course of a year.

Janet Skeen, the charity’s North-East manager, said: “Reading is such a fundamental skill which helps children discover the world around them, but some children do struggle and they don't always have access to books at home or an adult to read with on a regular basis. That is where Beanstalk reading helpers can really make a difference.

“It is such a fulfilling and meaningful volunteering role which transforms lives."

To apply, contact beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call 0845 450 0307.