A SCHOOL in Trowbridge has nominated the 'surrogate grandfathers' who have been visiting their classrooms as reading champions.

Men from Trowbridge Rotary Club have been going into Studley Green Primary School for over a year, to help children with their reading and to provide a positive male role model, particularly for the boys.

Head teacher, Steve Wigley, said: "They have developed a great relationship with the children that is actively encouraging them to read, which is fantastic."

Mr Wigley and Frank Garbutt, chairman of the Rotary community service committee, have been invited to attend a National Reading Campaign celebration at the Globe Theatre in London on Monday.

The event will celebrate the achievements that have been made through the promotion of reading in schools.

At Studley Green the contribution made to school life by their 16 regular visitors has been about more than reading.

Mr Wigley said: "The Rotarians have become more and more involved in the school."

Some of the visitors have accompanied the children on trips, one has set up a chess club , and all can give the children the benefit of their experience.