PUPILS at primary schools in Hyndburn will benefit from a new reading scheme in a drive to raise literacy standards.

The East Lancashire Education Business Partnership, based in Clayton-le-Moors, is encouraging business chiefs to send staff into schools to help children with reading practice.

And Hyndburn Council is encouraging firms to sign up.

The 'reading mentor' initiative allows volunteers to spend time reading to pupils and listening to them read individually or in groups.

Town hall chiefs have also set aside £500 for the project.

Firms that would like to find out more about the reading scheme should call the Education Business Partnership on 01254 389898.

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