THE Book Bus has just arrived in Tavistock and it's ready to pick up the next set of 'passengers' for an adventure to promote reading, storytelling and the arts among disadvantaged children in Africa and South America.

The mobile library service, a charity which has its base in Paddon's Row, Tavistock, calls in at schools and orphanages in Zambia and Malawi in Africa and Ecuador in South America.

It is looking for volunteers from West Devon with an interest in encouraging the joys of reading and story-telling in areas of the developing world where many children lack the opportunity or resources to enjoy a basic education.

Mark Davison, a director of the Book Bus, said: 'The idea is to visit primary schools, orphanages and community centres and work alongside village schoolteachers to bring storybooks to life.

'The bus takes up to 10 volunteers at a time, accompanied by the Book Bus leader, who divide huge classes between them into mini groups of eight or 10 children.

'The task is then to read a story and bring it to life through the media of arts and crafts or puppet making or even a little performance: anything that adds flesh to the characters and allows the children to engage with the story contained within the words.'

The Book Bus started in 2007 with the purchase of a London bus, converted to carry a mobile library of children's books, plus a camp kitchen and all the expedition equipment allowing it to be completely independent and operate in rural bush environments in Africa.

One of the trustees is well-known artist Quentin Blake, who illustrated Roald Dahl's children's books; it is Quentin's distinctive artworks that adorn the side of the bus itself and provide quite a draw for the children.

He said: 'The Book Bus looks stunning and always makes a massive impression wherever it arrives.

'Household names including authors, musicians and publishers support the Book Bus, but we always need volunteers to travel to Africa and contribute two weeks, or longer, of their time to work with children as reading mentors.'

Five years on from its humble origins there are now three Book Buses, one in Zambia, based near Victoria Falls; a second in Malawi near the lake; and the third in Spanish speaking Ecuador.

Volunteers can be of any age and the minimum placement is two weeks.

Placement costs from £650 (plus local payment $150 per week). Airfares start from £595.

Those taking part will work alongside experts and after 'work' will have time to enjoy unique attractions from bungee jumping to cooking lessons.

Places on the bus can be found all year around for the South American trips, between April to October for Zambia and February and October in Malawi.

Mark added: 'Nelson Mandela says that the most powerful weapon we can give children in the developing world is the gift of literacy.

'Think of the doors that the ability to read opens!

'From reading warning signs on the road; understanding the instructions on a medicine packet; opening up the whole world of education; let alone accessing the internet and cyber space. It really is the basis of the modern world.'

For more details call 01822 616191 or go to http://www.thebookbus.org">www.thebookbus.org