A reading buddies scheme at a Brierfield primary school has been hailed a huge success by pupils.

The scheme at Reedley Primary School aims to inspire Year 5 and Year 6 children to support Year 1 and Year 2 children to improve their decoding and comprehension skills. 

It is now being extended to include Reception children from January.

The Year 5 and 6 pupils wrote a letter of application to their deputy headteacher Kerry Gorrell explaining why they thought they were suitable for the role of 'reading buddy'

They received full training with Mrs Gorrell supporting their reading, using phonics to help children sound out their words.

Nine-year-old Aamna said: "I like listening to the children read because I can help them to improve."

Abdullah, also nine, said: "I applied to be a reading buddy so I could help younger children to read.

"I remember when I had a reading buddy in Year 2 and they helped me a lot."

Halimah, 10, added: "I wanted to be a reading buddy as I love to read and wanted younger children to love it too."