LEARNING to read is one of the most fundamental skills for children to master. However, with television, the internet and computer games as distractions, children have steered away from books in recent times.

Various schemes have been devised to help combat this and, along with JK Rowling's Harry Potter novels, they have all helped boost the number of children reaching for a book rather than a games controller.

But many youngsters are still falling behind with fewer parents taking the time to read to their children, or listen to their children read to them.

And in large classrooms many children can be left to struggle on, not getting the one-to-one attention they so desperately need.

Last week, the government announced plans to provide one-to-one tuition for thousands of children to stop them falling behind. However, one Worcester school is already leading the way with a unique partnership with members of a local charity.

Worcester South Rotary Club members visit Dines Green Primary School nearly every day to spend time reading one-to-one with children.

Headteacher Steve Gough said: "This scheme has had a marked impact on children's reading abilities. We are very grateful to the Rotary Club for sparing us their valuable time to help pupils.

"Many children at the school don't get the chance to practise their reading one-to-one at home, because many parents are so busy today. And, in school, it can often be difficult to devote time to just one pupil. So this project has been a great boost to the children here."

Seven members and three of their wives spend an hour, or longer, a day with the children from Monday to Thursday, listening to them read.

They take time to help the youngsters progress with their reading skills, boosting their confidence and their enthusiasm.

Eight-year-old Sian Freeman said: "I really enjoy reading to the Rotary Club members. It really helps you and it's fun. It's better than sitting in the classroom reading with everyone else."

Nine-year-old Stephanie Townsend said the scheme had helped to improve her reading skills.

"Sometimes when you are reading in class you get stuck," she said. "But you might not ask for help. But when you are reading to just one person they can help you."

George Hartley is one of the Rotary Club members who spends time at the school.

"I think it is very important for children to be given one-to-one help with their reading," he said.

"The pupils respond very well indeed and I have noticed a great improvement in many of them. It is rewarding to be able to help these polite young pupils to progress and is a real pleasure."

The project was the idea of Rotary Club president Michael Jeeves.

"I had seen a similar project running in Colchester and thought what a good idea it was," he said. "We have worked with the school previously and were impressed with the pupils and staff.

"I asked members if they wanted to volunteer to take part and was delighted with the response.

"We have been running the project for six months and it has been a huge success. We hope to continue it and help even more children."

The Government's pilot one-to-one scheme will run over two years and will be run in 484 primary and secondary schools to try out new ways of assessing pupils's progress.

"Children of all abilities need one-to-one help at times," Mr Gough said. "Projects such as the one we are running are crucial to schools like us where we have a high number of children with special educational needs. Long may this continue."

WHAT THE CHILDREN THINK

Imogen Bailey, aged eight: "I think it is really good fun and I like reading. It is very interesting."

Jacob Callow, aged nine: "I don't read at home so I really like doing it at school. I was OK at reading but now I am much better."

Tyler Wright, aged nine: "I like reading more now than I did before. It really helps just reading to one person."

Aimee Bozward, aged nine: "I like the way that if you get stuck Mr Hartley helps you. It is really fun."