THIRTY pupils from year seven and 30 volunteers from years nine and 11 at Penketh High School have been working together during a 'Buddy' reading scheme to improve reading levels.

Students are divided into pairs or 'buddies' and meet on Thursdays and Fridays at break.

Completing the activity sees older pupils fulfilling part of their bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, with teachers overseeing the scheme and providing hot chocolate.

Stephen Graham, Duke of Edinburgh co-ordinator, said: "It is wonderful to see the year sevens working with their older peers.

"The trust between the buddies is essential and quite humbling to witness in practice."

The scheme will initially run for three months until Christmas.