MUMS, dads and baby brothers and sisters joined pupils at Breydon Middle School in Belton to celebrate the success of the Reading Buddies scheme. Volunteers from Years 6 and 7 are paired with weaker readers in Years 4 and 5 for two lunchtime sessions a week.

MUMS, dads and baby brothers and sisters joined pupils at Breydon Middle School in Belton to celebrate the success of the Reading Buddies scheme. Volunteers from Years 6 and 7 are paired with weaker readers in Years 4 and 5 for two lunchtime sessions a week. The Big Buddies support the younger children's reading, and help create links between classes. The children and parents met for coffee and a chance to choose new books for the school library as a thank you for their hard work and the free time they give up.

Teachers say they are very enthusiastic about the scheme which speeds up the progress of poorer readers and improves the confidence of all the children involved.