One hundred volunteers have been recognised for their work helping school children improve their reading skills.

Ladies and gentleman who are part of the Bolton branch of national charity Volunteer Reading Help were presented with certificates by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Barbara Ronson, at a Town Hall ceremony.

The charity, which is based at the Castle Hill Centre, in Castleton Street, Bolton, dispatches volunteers to work with youngsters at the borough's primary schools on a twice-weekly basis. They each spend an hour and a half working with three children during the separate visits.

Bosses at the charity decided it was time to recognise the efforts of their volunteers - some of whom have been working for more than 15 years.

Volunteer service manager Janet Harper said: "We wanted to do something to say thank you. They're very dedicated and carry out the work with real professionalism. We are looking to make the presentation an annual event."

Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer reader should contact Janet on 01204 338145.