A CHARITY helping youngsters all over the county embark on a lifetime of reading is calling for local people's help raising funds.

Bicester organisation Assisted reading for Children in Oxfordshire (ARCh) is up for a share of £345,000 in match donations to any cash it receives in the next month.

From now until October 17 one-time donations will be matched pound-for-pound up to £10 so for a one-time £10 donation with Gift Aid it receives £21.67.

The charity provides trained volunteers to support children's reading in primary schools throughout Oxfordshire.

It also holds special one-off events such as the 'Reading with the Stars' literacy celebration with the Blackbird Academy Trust in Blackbird Leys.

The 'Grow Your Tenner' matched donations scheme is being run by national social enterprise Localgiving.

Jane Rendle, development manager at ARCh said: "Grow Your Tenner is an exciting campaign and a fantastic opportunity for us to raise funds.

"All donations will make a huge difference to us and with the added bonus of doubled donations we hope local people will join in."

A donation of £5 pays for a book to engage a reluctant reader. £50 sponsors a book box to be used by a volunteer for a year.

Last year a 780 children were supported in their reading with ARCh by a £3,900 grant from the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of the Oxford Mail's parent company.

For more information or to support the campaign visit localgiving.org/charity/arch/