Corrie actor goes back to school

Blackpool's Westminster Academy has signed up top the Bookmark Reading scheme and is looking for volunteers to join in

Blackpool-born Nicola, who recently starred as Coronation Street killer Pat Phelan’s daughter Nicola Rubenstein, is spearheading the Bookmark Reading Charity's drive to improve reading skills among schoolchildren in the resort.

And, she's taken on the challenge herself at her old school. She is hoping to lead the way in encouraging people sign up to a volunteer scheme which involves giving up a bit free time to read with Westminster Academy pupils - from the comfort of their own homes online.

The six-week reading programme involves two 30-minute sessions each week with a child who needs extra support with their reading.

Blackpool-born actor Nicola Thorp is trying to recruit volunteers to help with reading at her old primary school

This is usually either face-to-face in a local primary school, or virtually through a secure online platform but at present it is online.

Nicola said: " I attended Westminster Academy back when it was called Claremont Primary School and I hold the fondest memories of my time there as it’s the place where I first learnt to read.

"In these trying times, children have missed out on so many months of learning, so it’s vital that initiatives like Bookmark help to bridge the gap."

She added: "As a volunteer, I’m able to get involved from the comfort of my home and it’s good to feel like you’re making a difference to the lives of early learners."

Westminster is the only school taking part in the area at the moment but it hoped to roll the scheme out across the resort.

Nicola added that at present they are mainly looking for individuals to join in but local businesses can also get involved in a corporate partnership, either financially, or by incentivising employees to volunteer.

Anyone interested in finding out more can check out https://www.bookmarkreading.org/volunteer