The scheme aims to make reading more enjoyable

A survey in Leeds found 27% of seven to 12 year olds had no one to study with outside the classroom.

The charity Learning Partnerships is providing weekly one-to-one lessons with adult volunteers in the city.

Some 650 pupils in the Burmantofts, Harehills and Chapeltown areas were questioned for the survey.

'Delight and motivate'

The Let's Learn scheme will set up reading clubs at schools and community centres.

The volunteers will be trained and undergo a criminal record check.

Children will play word games, pick a book to read and take part in a writing activity to improve their literacy.

Amanda Baxter, the Let's Learn co-ordinator, said: "Children feel valued by regular praise from volunteers and are rewarded with prizes and certificates for their achievements.

"Such positive, pleasurable experiences delight and motivate the children which, in turn, aids their literacy development."

Parents will also receive tips on how to improve their reading work with children.

Ms Baxter said: "There are a lot of big families in the inner-city area and parents might not have the time to devote to children's learning.

"There are also many single-parent families where time is of the essence. Often parents have limited literacy skills or don't speak much English themselves, which adds to problems."

However, last year children in Leeds performed above the national average in English tests for 11 year olds.

Some 76% reached the government's required level, compared with 75% across England.