A DORSET charity which helps children learn to read has received a cash injection from a fund set up to benefit communities.

Dorset Reading Partners were given £4,500 by the Santander Foundation’s Community Plus initiative, which provides donations of up to £5,000 to local charities, or local projects of national charities, to support disadvantaged people.

The funding made available to Dorset Reading Partners, will enable them to recruit, train and support 10 volunteer reading partners who offer one-to-one literacy support to children in Bourne-mouth schools.

Juliet Ruddick, from the charity, said: “Our volunteer reading partners offer regular one-to-one support to children who are reluctant to read or who need a little extra support and encouragement.

“They talk, share books and play games, all provided by us, in order to increase children’s confidence and motivation, as well as their communication and literacy skills.

“It is a remarkably effective scheme that already operates successfully across Dorset, so we are delighted now to be able to offer the service in the Bournemouth area.”

Julie Cull, at Santander’s Commercial Road branch, said: “Community Plus allows our staff and customers to nominate local charities that are most in need of assistance.

“We are delighted to be supporting Dorset Reading Partners and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.”

For more information on Dorset Reading Partners, call Juliet on 01305 458515.