AN APPEAL for volunteers to help with literacy at Tavistock College has had a terrific response with 40 people coming forward.

College principal Helen Salmon said this week she expected half a dozen enquiries after her appeal for 'literary champions' but was bowled over by the response.

'We had retired teachers and business people coming forward to work with year seven.

'We asked for some relevant experience and got lots. There will be some training and the regular CRB checking, but many of these people are retired and have quite a lot to offer the volunteer scheme.'

The initiative is aimed at children, who in their first year at secondary school, are a bit reluctant to read and need some encouragement.

Volunteers will be working with these children to increase their enthusiasm for reading.