by Alan Quick

AN innovative way to help children with their reading is proving a success at Sandford School, near Crediton.

Ellie Roper (17), a former pupil at the school and now a Year 12 student at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton returns to the school every Wednesday afternoon to help the children with their reading, but she is also accompanied by learning support dog, miniature dachshund Mitzi.

Ellie explained: “Mitzi, who is 10-months-old, listens to children reading and this helps develop the child’s confidence with reading.”

Ellie added: “It was my family’s idea and our reading sessions are going very well.

“The school is pleased with the progress the children are making and Mitzi and I are pleased to help out.”

Sandford School has a dedicated school library, which was opened some years ago by Henry Winkler, the actor who played “The Fonz” in the American sit-com “Happy Days”.

The school library recently received 39 new books, thanks to shoppers at Sandford Community Stores, Crediton Community Bookshop and the charity, Sandford Area Community Action.

Sandford Community Action was given a £200 donation, money it received from profits from Sandford Community Stores.

The charity decided to give the money to the primary school on the understanding that it used the money to purchase books from Crediton Community Bookshop.