A READING volunteer at a Trowbridge school has been recognised for his outstanding commitment to encouraging and inspiring others to read.

Frank Garbutt has set up a scheme for Rotary Club members to become reading volunteers at Studley Green Primary School.

Mr Garbutt was one of 20 of the nation's Reading Champions who were guests of honour at a special celebration on Monday, December 3, held at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in Southwark, south London.

"The best thing about reading with children is the thrill on their faces resulting from the individual attention I give them," he said.

"I also like to see how they have improved over a period of time."

Headteacher Steve Wigley, who helped set up the scheme, said: "Before the volunteers came into the school I worked with them quite a bit, talking about how to listen to readers.

"We also developed the theme of them being a positive male role model, a form of surrogate grandfather."

The National Reading Campaign's Reading Champions aims to identify positive male role models who not only enjoy reading themselves but also share their enthusiasm with others.

Estelle Morris, secretary of state for the Department of Education and Skills, said: "I am pleased that the National Reading Campaign is continuing to promote positive role models to reluctant male readers.

"It links with my department's measures to tackle boys' underachievement."