A VOLUNTEER who helps children with reading at Elton Primary School is encouraging more people to take part by giving it a glowing reference.

Audrey Butterworth attends the school twice a week for 90 minutes to work with children one-to-one, and says it is the most rewarding thing she has ever done.

Audrey, from Ramsbottom, volunteers for Beanstalk — a national children’s literacy charity which provides support to children in primary schools — and it is looking for more volunteers across Bury.

The 79-year-old has been volunteering since 2011, and enjoys the fact that she is helping out at a school that her own children attended.

She says: “My friend told me about Beanstalk and becoming a reading helper and we decided to apply.

“It’s good to know that you have Beanstalk’s support and training.

“Elton are extremely supportive and very welcoming. I really feel like part of the school.

“When you go in to school, the children are so keen to come out of class and read with you. They bring me a huge amount of joy and make me laugh so much!

“Volunteering with Beanstalk is the most rewarding thing that I’ve ever done.

“To anyone else who thinks they might be interested, I’d just say go for it!”

For more information about volunteering call 01204 532421 or email westpennine@beanstalkcharity.org.uk