A NEW initiative to help boost literacy levels among pupils in Swindon has been praised as “invaluable resource”.

It was yesterday reported that the National Literacy Trust, an independent charity that works with schools to improve literacy skills, has teamed up with Swindon Borough Council to open a National Literacy Trust Hub known locally as Swindon Stories.

The hub will work to tackle low literacy levels that seriously impact people’s lives.

Councillor Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for communities and place, said: “I am thrilled that the National Literacy Trust will be launching a hub in Swindon.

“I am proud to see the town moving forward with developing its literacy skills. The hub will be an invaluable resource in Swindon’s growth and become pivotal in assisting Swindon to meets its educational targets.”

She said the hub will lead to “heightened confidence and increased employment options”.

Swindon Stories will officially launch on Thursday, February 8 with a literacy-themed bus tour of local schools. It will be supported by Thamesdown Transport.

Alex Chutter, general manager of Thamesdown, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved in such an important initiative.

“As Swindon’s bus company, our team considers itself very much a part of the community, and we’re always on the look-out for clubs, schools and charities to support.

“Swindon Stories is the perfect example of the council, organisations and businesses coming together to make a real difference to the lives of young people across the town.”