Education Secretary David Blunkett today announced a major boost for literacy with 500 new specialist summer schools, including five in York and North and East Yorkshire.

The announcement marks a massive extension of last year's scheme, which saw 29 centres set up around the country in an attempt to improve literacy levels among youngsters.

Two schools in North Yorkshire - Barlby High School in Selby and Pindar School in Scarborough - together with Burnholme Community College and Lowfield School, in York, and Vermuyden School, Goole, will open their doors to children this summer.

The summer schools are designed to help children who have not yet reached the required literacy level for their age make the transition from primary to secondary school.

Coun Janet Looker, chairwoman of City of York Council's education committee, said: "Anything that can help children get over illiteracy is excellent.

"Lowfield School has already been pioneering after-school 'homework clubs' and it has got a proven record of being effective."

Liz Watson, head of Burnholme Community College, said: ""Together with Lowfield School, we worked hard to put a bid together and so we are delighted to have been successful."

Only one school in North Yorkshire - Allertonshire School, near Northallerton - was selected to host one of last year's schemes.Announcing a £5 million extension of the scheme, Mr Blunkett said: "This is good news for thousands of children."

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