MORE volunteers are needed to save children from a life of illiteracy.

Charity Beanstalk urged people to come forward to help struggling youngsters learn to read.

Their volunteers are placed in primary schools around the town, spending up to 30 minutes with each child twice a week.

A group from the charity met at West Swindon Library, marking International Volunteering Day.

Library staff have presented the volunteers with an exclusive library card, allowing them to withdraw a staggering 24 books at a time.

Amelia Shaw, area manager for Beanstalk, said: “We were delighted to have our very first reading helpers here together on International Volunteer Day at West Swindon library and it is so great to see so many volunteers eager to start helping supporting local schools and making a real difference to children that have fallen behind with their reading.

“Together we can make real progress but we do need more people to come forward and become reading helpers so we can help more children in Swindon.”

The charity is backed by South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, who was represented at Tuesday’s event.

Mr Buckland said he was “delighted” to be supporting the charity.

“Teaching a child to read and inspiring a love of books is one of the best ways to prepare them for a lifetime of learning and it will bring huge benefits at school,” he said.

“I would like to thank all of the volunteers who have signed up so far and encourage anyone else who is interested in volunteering to contact the charity.”

To find out more about volunteering for Beanstalk, visit: www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk.