Volunteers from Bradford's businesses joined forces to help school children improve their reading skills.

A team of volunteers from the Telegraph & Argus joined others from Barclays Bank, the Inland Revenue, Yorkshire Building Society and Bradford Council at a literacy day supported by the Bradford Bulls at Odsal Stadium.

More than 30 pupils aged seven to 11 from Horton Park Primary School benefited from the drive organised by Bradford Cares, a campaign run by Business in the Community.

Bradford Cares aims to mobilise businesses to make a contribution to the development of communities across the district in education, regeneration and environmental projects.

The children, working in teams, read the Bull's latest educational book 'Have You Seen Bullboy?' and wrote stories and poems with the help of the volunteers.

The Bulls are a member of the national Business in the Community organisation, which aims to improve individual companies' impact on society.

Bradford Cares employee Celia De Maria said: "The kids here get individual treatment that they wouldn't get at school. The event has also been organised for the benefit of businesses.

"These employees are being taught people skills, team building skills and they are also building up their confidence."

The T&A's newspaper sales development manager Steve Woods, one of the volunteers, said: "The scheme is something that Bradford Cares is trying to get other people to volunteer for and I would recommend it to everybody.

"The aim was to try to build relationships with these kids in a short time and teach them something and I think it worked really well."

David Kennedy, assistant chief executive of Bradford Council's regeneration department, said: "I'm thrilled that businesses are recognising the value of these initiatives for their employees, and for the children who, are the future workforce."

Bradford Cares is planning further events later in the year. To get involved call (0113) 2361888.