A VOLUNTEER scheme which aims to provide reading support to school children is set to expand.

Currently running in four Darlington primary schools, the Busy Readers scheme trains volunteers, placing them in schools to listen to children read for one hour a week.

In September, the scheme trained 25 volunteers, but this number is now set to grow.

The expansion will see a new group of volunteers attending a training session on Wednesday (February 12) at Reid Street School.

Paula Ayto, co-principal at Reid Street, one of the participating schools, who will be delivering the training said: "The scheme has provided us with an important additional resource to help our children develop their reading skills. We really enjoy having the volunteers in the school.”

The Busy Readers scheme is run by Darlington Cares, a partnership of employers, created in October 2012, who use their skills and resources to help initiatives in the local community.

Back in September Corporation Road Primary School, another of the participating schools, joined with Darlington Cares member Darlington Football Club to host a talk on the importance and joy of reading.

The school held a visit from the club’s assistant manager Brian Atkinson and the striker Amar Purewal.

Additional schools and volunteers will be recruited in April.

For more information, call Darlington Cares project manager Katie Blundell on 01642-738970 or email k.blundell@tees.ac.uk