THOUSANDS of youngsters in York are benefiting from a scheme which brings older people back in to the classroom to help children read.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP), which celebrates its 20th anniversary next year, is a national organisation which encourages the growing number of those aged fifty plus to help school communities in their local areas.

The organisation has a total of 635 volunteers in York and aids local primary schools by offering special tuition to children who lack literacy skills.

Volunteers spend several hours a week visiting schools and giving tuition either one-to-one or to small groups of children.

Anne Pulleyn, who has been the regional co-ordinator for RSVP for seven years, said all the volunteers experience a great sense of reward by helping children.

"All our volunteers are 50 plus, retired and they love to help children," she said.

"The primary schools we visit pick their weakest readers who are not reaching their literacy level and we give them our help.

"We assist children as young as five who are learning to read, and children who are older and about to take their SATs.

"It really is the most satisfying thing in the world to help a child who is struggling, then seeing that child develop and become more confident.

"The schools and the children benefit and in return we get such great satisfaction."

Joyce Hardwick has been a volunteer with RSVP for the past ten years, and currently helps children at Haxby Road Primary School.

She said: "I have taught many different children in different classes and different schools over the years and I find the work very rewarding.

"Some children may not get a chance to read at home and I think it helps having somebody there who will listen and offer advice."

More than 40 primary schools in and around York, including Acomb, Knavesmire, Carr Junior and Yearsley Grove are now benefiting from the scheme.

The reading scheme is one of many projects that RSVP has under its belt.

Last year, it set up an after-school clubs which give children a chance to participate in activities such as knitting, cooking, sewing and story writing.

Hundreds of volunteers also make clothes for premature babies in the UK and children in Eastern Europe. Last year RSVP sent a record number of 400 boxes of clothes abroad.