Winchester Dyslexia Institute, which has helped hundreds since it opened in Upper Brook Street, celebrated its 20th birthday with a reunion for pupils and staff.

To mark the anniversary, founder members were invited to a party at the Milner Hall, St Peter Street, on Wednesday.

The institute, part of a nationwide charity, helps both children and adults alike. It assesses people for dyslexia, provides tuition and trains specialist teachers as well as developing teaching materials and conducting research.

Principal, Annie Collins, who hosted the party, said the aim was to help each student achieve their potential. Present pupils include Christopher Pike (12) and his nine-year-old brother, Laurence. Their mother, Brenda, said Christopher was awarded a cup for the most improved all-rounder in year-seven at Swanmore Secondary School after struggling at primary school. He was not diagnosed until he was nine. She said there had been "a 100%" improvement after attending weekly sessions at the institute over three years.

"We scrimp and save to afford it, but if we did not give it to our children now we would feel guilty later on.

"As a parent I feel the younger the child is when they have extra help the better it is. There is such a knock-on effect on their confidence."

Guest of honour at the anniversary party was the Mayor, John Steel and his wife, Gill.