SCHOOL children at a Coleford school are brushing up on their reading skills with Two Rivers Housing.

Staff at the housing association, based in Newent, has been going to St John's Academy one afternoon a week to listen to the Key Stage One and Two children read as part of a new pilot scheme.

"We asked for volunteers to take part in this pilot scheme and were delighted by the response," said Jon Coe, director of customer service at Two Rivers. "It seems like such a simple thing to offer but this initiative offers the school some regular support and gives us the chance to put something extra back into the local neighbourhood and do more than just provide homes."

Karen Beard, income collection co-ordinator at Two Rivers, is among the first group of staff to be involved.

She said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the children and it's so rewarding to listen to them reading and to be able to help them when they struggle over certain words.

"I loved reading with my own children when they were little and this will help get me back into practice for when my grandchildren reach this stage!"

Julie Griffiths, Vice-Principal at St John's Academy said: "We would like to thank Two Rivers for sending members of their staff to listen to children read at our school. It is very important that young children read aloud to help them make progress in their reading."

The reading project builds on other initiatives introduced between Two Rivers and St John's C of E Academy, designed to support the children of families who live in Two Rivers homes, and the wider community, too.

The successful Junior Warden scheme is entering its second year at St John's and is now being introduced to other schools throughout the district.