STUDENTS who have been helped with their reading by City workers were praised for their achievement at a ceremony in the city. Pupils from Mulberry School for Girls in Tower Hamlets took part in the Lloyd s Community programme and were presented with cert

STUDENTS who have been helped with their reading by City workers were praised for their achievement at a ceremony in the city.

Pupils from Mulberry School for Girls in Tower Hamlets took part in the Lloyd's Community programme and were presented with certificates by the boss of insurance firm Lockton, whose staff had helped them improve their reading.

Twelve workers spent half an hour a week giving the pupils a helping hand to improve their reading, conversation and comprehension skills.

Many of the pupils who were helped have English as a second language.

Lockton boss Julian James said: "Our philosophy is to always be proactive in sustaining a meaningful corporate and civic responsibility. This is our second year in the scheme with the Mulberry School for Girls and I am pleased to see so many young students benefiting from the time and extra tuition being given by our associates."

The school's headteacher Vanessa Ogden said: "Currently, there are around 225 volunteers from 18 different companies working with 10 Tower Hamlets Schools. The pupils develop their confidence and raise their aspirations by gaining practical experience of the world of work and being presented with positive role models. Employees from companies like Lockton have a vital role to play in the formative years of these young people's education.