“WHEN you see before your eyes the progress children make and how their reading comes on, it makes it worthwhile.”

That is the view of Linda Emery who gives up her time two days a week to listen to children read at Sedgley Park Primary School in Prestwich.

She got involved five years ago after a friend told her about children's literacy charity Beanstalk, which arranges for volunteers to give one-on-one help to youngsters who are struggling with their reading.

Mrs Emery, aged 66, of Heys Road, Prestwich, said: "I had just retired and wanted to do some kind of voluntary work and working with children appealed, so Beanstalk was perfect.

"The training was not hard and when I started at the school, I was made to feel welcome.

"I tend to work with three children and listen to them read for half an hour each, twice a week.

The grandmother-of-one, whose daughter is a teacher, said: "It is lovely when the teachers tell you that a child has done really well with their reading or has improved.

"I helped one little boy who has come on leaps and bounds and it is good to know that I have made a difference in his life," added Mrs Emery, who was a marketing executive for a mail order firm before retirement.

Three other volunteers work at the school, whose headteacher John Gregory values highly.

He said: "The helpers have definitely made a huge impact to the confidence and achievement of the children that they have supported, over the recent years.

"Ultimately, they have helped pupils who have been struggling with reading and as a result of their one-to-one reading sessions, have encouraged the love of reading."

Mr Gregory added: "The sessions are aimed at improving the confidence and attainment of our children and the first step in this process is to get our reluctant readers engaged in reading again.

"In response to the needs of our pupils, the volunteer readers provide a range of stimulating materials and resources, which link initially to the children's own interests.

"These half-hour reading sessions are undertaken in a calm and enjoyable manner, which put the children's anxieties at ease."

Mrs Emery added: "I would definitely recommend Beanstalk to anyone who wants to volunteer and can give up a few hours a week.

"It is very rewarding, as long as you're prepared to be committed and attend regularly."

For details: visit beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call 020 7729 4087.