A PILOT scheme shown to have raised reading standards among Gosport schoolchildren is set to expand, if more adult volunteers can be found.

Youngsters at four primaries in the town took part in the initiative, upping their "reading ages" by two years over a ten-week period.

They were each matched with an adult reading partner who helped them in three one-to-one sessions per week.

Twelve primaries are participating in the wider project, including Brockhurst Junior, Elson Infant and Junior, Gomer Infant, Holbrook Primary, and St John's Primary.

Most will have between six and 20 volunteers, each undergoing two days of training through a structured programme. Sixteen students from St Vincent College are also involved as partners.

The project, part of an education and business link-up in Portsmouth and south east Hampshire, will be officially launched on Wednesday following the success of the pilot.

Partnership projects manager Carol Gibbs said: "Children chosen to work with an adult reading partner have a reading age below the average for their class and the project aims to make them independent readers.

"This means they are better able to cope with all their subjects in their secondary school."

The launch takes place at NARO Fleetlands and includes a talk about the project at St John's by headteacher Diane Smith.

Adults willing to volunteer can find out more by calling 01705 677444.

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