This not only affects academic success, but also future opportunities and wellbeing.

The Norfolk Reading Project (TNRP), a volunteer-led scheme in Norfolk, is working to change that statistic by providing free, one-to-one reading support to pupils across the county.

Anne Thorley, co-founder and chair of TNRP, launched the project a decade ago with fellow Norfolk resident Sarah Seymour.

"Since smart phones were introduced in 2007, there has been a remarkable fall off in the number of people reading for pleasure," Anne said.

"Many children have not encountered a book before they start school and, instead of turning pages, they will try to swipe them as if the page was a screen."

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In 2015, Anne and Sarah, along with friends, began offering free Saturday morning reading sessions outside of school.

When no children attended, they........

© Norwich Evening News