A LITERACY charity based in Bradford is preparing to celebrate a landmark anniversary.

Reading Matters will host a 20th anniversary charity ball at the city’s Midland Hotel on Saturday, March 11, to mark two decades of helping children to read and reach their potential.

The charity, which specialises in one-to-one reading support for young, struggling and reluctant readers, was founded in 1997 with only a handful of volunteers. It has grown enormously since then and currently helps about 6,800 children each year.

Andrew Edwards, of BBC Radio Leeds, will host the ball, which is Reading Matters’ main annual fundraising event and is being match-funded by Barclays Bank.

Mr Edwards said: “I’ve spent my life working with words – as a newspaper reporter who turned into a BBC radio presenter.

“Our listeners take part in the ‘Big Yorkshire Book Club’ every month on my programme.

“I’m passionate about the power, value and pleasure of reading, so it’s a great treat to be involved with the Reading Matters Charity Ball.”

Reading Matters manages a network of Reading Mentors in schools across Yorkshire and also delivers a range of workshops and accredited training to peer mentors, parents and carers and education staff.

The charity’s latest Impact Report shows that, on average, their programmes improve reading age by 13 months in just ten hours and also boost confidence and self-esteem.

Tickets for the charity ball cost £40 each and include a drinks reception, three-course dinner and dancing. It starts at 6.30pm and will be held in the hotel’s Princes Ballroom.

Looking forward to the event, Reading Matters’ chief executive Rachel Kelly said: “This is going to be a very special evening, an opportunity to celebrate the impact we have had on the tens of thousands of young people who have benefited from our programmes over the last two decades whilst raising money to help us reach many more who need our help in the future.”

Anyone who would like to buy tickets for the event, or anyone who would be able to provide a prize for the raffle or the auction that will be held on the night, can contact Reading Matters directly on 01274 692219. Alternatively, visit the website at readingmatters.org.uk.

A spokesman for the charity said: “We hope that you will be able to join us for this very special evening, celebrating our essential work over the last 20 years and raising funds so that we can continue to help even more children and young people.”