TWO dyslexic artists have set up a community arts project to tour venues ranging from young offenders' institutions to schools.

Josie Williams and Mike Juggins say they did not start their project, called Ants in Yer Pants, to specifically address the condition.

But they believe their intimate knowledge of so-called word blindness, which hampers reading and writing ability, can bring a new perspective on art and life to other people who have it.

They teach activities ranging from painting to modelling clay animation, and are available to work for community groups, charities, special needs groups, social services, colleges and arts groups as well as with schools and young offenders.

Josie said: "We are not just geared to dyslexia, although we are dyslexics ourselves.

"And we can often recognise when people are having the same problems, so they can get themselves checked out.

"Our aim is to build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of achievement."

Josie, 42, from Old Town, holds an HND multimedia qualification, and was not diagnosed as dyslexic until a couple of years ago.

Mike Juggins, 38, also from Old Town, holds a BA in Art in a Social Context, and has just been made artist in residence at Swindon's Headlands School.

He said: "While we are able to work with a broad range of learning abilities, we do empathise with the needs of dyslexic people, who often struggle to express themselves in a word-based society.

"We both re-entered education as mature students, and can understand the lack of teaching techniques that could lead an individual down the wrong path in life."

The artists have just completed a week-long residence at a Youth Offender's Unit near Reading.

Although dyslexia is thought to affect only between four and 10 per cent of the population, studies show that at least 30 percent of prisoners show evidence of the condition.

At Headlands School, Mike will be working with children 16 hours a week on animations, film, design and painting.

Alongside the work in the classroom, Mike and fellow dyslexic artist and Headlands teachers assistant Vicky Silver will be running an after school club for Headlands students.

More computers and printers are needed for the work, and Mike can be contacted on Swindon 423419.

Josie is available on Swindon 345200. www.antsinyerpants.co.uk