A Bradford mother-of-two is hoping that extra literacy lessons will improve the confidence and self-esteem of her children.

Twins Gemma and James Layton, 12, are receiving help improving their reading skills from Reading Matters for Life.

The charity has started working in Bradford and this week the Telegraph & Argus is backing the project in a drive to recruit more volunteers.

These volunteers will give two hours of their time a week to help teenagers aged 11 to 16-years-old who are struggling with their reading.

Gemma and James are among the first pupils to receive extra literacy tuition during school time and their mum, Helen, is delighted.

"Anything that will push them forward and help them with their literacy is a fantastic project," she said.

"I read with them at home which I think is vitally important because if they haven't got the basic skills they won't get very far in life."

The Bradford Cathedral School pupils spend two 30-minute sessions a week during this school term with 38-year-old volunteer Jeremy Pawson.

"He encourages and praises them through the lessons which I think is the key thing to improving their confidence," added Mrs Layton, a non-teaching assistant at Marshfield Primary School.

Mr Pawson was recruited on the Reading Matters campaign after reading an article in the T&A last year.

The project has been established in Bradford since last August but is now stepping up its drive to recruit more volunteers to help 11 to 16-year-olds struggling with their reading.

Mr Pawson said: "When I read the article I was shocked that some children were leaving primary schools and were still behind with their reading.

"I couldn't help but feel that society was letting them down and I wanted to do something about it.

"It is really important to me that I help these children and it is quite a nerve-racking experience when you think that the future of these youngsters could be in your hands.

"But I was determined to give my best to them and I think anybody who enjoys reading and has some free time should do the same. I've got the best kids and we have a great time together.

"They are just as enthusiastic as myself and I'm sure that by the end of it they will be able to read with the best of them."

Judith Wood, Reading Matters co-ordinator at Bradford Cathedral, said the school was pleased to be a part of the project.

"Everything we are doing is to raise motivation and confidence in the long term," she said.

"We have an awful lot of students with literacy needs and Jeremy is working very hard to help improve on this. He is doing an excellent job."

Gemma and James agreed: "It is better than being taught in a big classroom," said Gemma. "We read papers and books which had things in that we were interested in. I really look forward to my next lessons."

James said: "I think I will be able to read a lot better by the end of it all."