The Mayor of Wells has thrown his support behind The Listening Project, a Rotary Club initiative helping children develop a love for reading.

Alan Guyver, founder of The Listening Project Wells and a member of Wells Rotary Club, addressed the Full Council meeting alongside Liz Ramsay, English lead at St Cuthbert's Primary School, and two young reading ambassadors from the school.

The children, who visited the Mayor's Parlour, bravely spoke in front of councillors about their passion for books and their favourite authors, impressing all in attendance.

The Listening Project sees a team of dedicated volunteers visit local primary schools to listen to children read. At St Cuthbert's, each of the six classes has a designated volunteer who spends around 90 minutes each week hearing between six and nine pupils read. The initiative has recently expanded to Stoberry Park School, broadening its impact.

The Mayor praised the scheme and its volunteers, recognising the positive effect it has on children's confidence and literacy skills. He has pledged to support and promote the project as much as possible.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Wells Rotary Club. Full DBS checks are required for all volunteers.