VOLUNTEERS were presented with long service awards at an end of term celebration.

Bicester-based ARCh (Assisted Reading for Children) provides trained volunteers to primary schools across the county, in order to provide children a love of reading.

Elaine Adams, joint development manager at ARCh, said: “Celebrating the end to this most difficult school year felt more important than ever and we are truly grateful for Amanda Ponsonby [former High Sheriff of Oxfordshire] inviting us to share her beautiful gardens with our volunteers and staff.

“It was a fitting thanks for all their hard work in supporting so many children with their reading.”

Jane Rendle, joint development manager at ARCh, added: “We value our volunteers highly and it is important to us that they gain as much from their ARCh experience as the children do.

“We provide initial and ongoing training and support, and exciting resources which are tailored to suit individual children’s interests.

“After all the disruption to education over the last year and a half, there is a bigger than ever need for our service so we are calling for more volunteers to join us.”