A campaign to improve reading standards in Bradford's schools is seeking more volunteers.

The Reading Matters for Life campaign, which is backed by the Telegraph & Argus, tries to help improve reading among teenagers by giving one-to-one support to pupils at 16 of the district's schools.

Bradford project manager Dr Lorraine Barrass said the scheme, which has helped 540 pupils, has built up a 45-strong team of volunteers who have put in more than 5,500 work hours during its five-year existence.

Dr Barrass said volunteers often help children's reading skills improve dramatically over a short period of time.

Reading Matters' own research shows that the average student's reading age increases by 13 months after only ten weeks with a volunteer.

"The work our volunteers do is very impressive when you think they are only with the pupils for ten weeks," said Dr Barrass. "We have a good core of volunteers working now but need more to expand our work. I am delighted with the effort volunteers are giving. They are having a positive effect on schools in Bradford."

Reading Matters for Life is based at Hanson School in Swain House. The Children's Fund pledged a £4,500 grant to the project in September after Reading Matters for Life celebrated its fifth anniversary. The money is enabling further volunteer places to be created in schools across the district.

The project has received backing from the Marks & Spencer store in Darley Street, Bradford.

Volunteers are aged 18 or over, fully vetted and undergo training. For details, call Dr Barrass on (01274) 639080.