A Bridport reader is set to take part in a national radio charity appeal.

On Easter Sunday, April 4, at 7.45am on BBC Radio 4, presenter Richard Madeley will be making an appeal on behalf of Read Easy UK, asking listeners to donate to the charity so it can help more adults who struggle to read.

Bridport Read Easy is delighted that Steve, a Bridport Reader who has learned to read confidently over the last two years, helped by his volunteer coach Lorraine, has agreed to let his story be used on air.

Steve knows how hard it is for people who can't read, and what pressures, shame and anxiety those people live with.

For 30 years he never looked at bills or bank statements. He didn't even open them or know what direct debits he was paying. He just lived very carefully to avoid debt.

Now Steve is taking charge of his finances and he even found a mistake in his council tax that he has sorted.

Steve says that learning to read has transformed his whole life, He feels calmer and more comfortable in himself, even through the pandemic.

Steve said: "Anyone who struggles with reading, take that first step and contact Read Easy - it can really help you."

Because he is so keen to encourage other people to come forward, Steve has also agreed to share his story in a leaflet, which is being delivered to 9,000 homes in the Bridport area ahead of the Radio 4 appeal.

The appeal will also be repeated at 9.25pm on Sunday, April 4 and 3.27pm on Thursday, April 8.

Ali Turnock, team leader for Bridport Read Easy, said: "We are hoping that people will tell Steve's story to their friends, colleagues or family members who struggle to read, and encourage them to get in touch."

Read Easy has kept going throughout the lockdowns, and many reading pairs have continued to meet online and by telephone.

Sue Allen, Bridport Read Easy co-ordinator, said: "Our readers and volunteers have been brilliant, adapting to changes in circumstances in creative ways. We are still here waiting to hear from adults who would like to improve their reading.

"Although volunteer coaches and readers cannot meet face to face at the moment, we are preparing to return to normal service as soon as we are allowed.

"If you call us now, we will get back to you as soon as possible. A phone call is all it takes to start your journey to becoming a confident reader."

Bridport Read Easy group started up in 2011, when Vee Driscoll, who had trained as a coach with the Dorchester and Weymouth group, offered to be a pioneer and then co-ordinator for a new group in Bridport.

Although Vee has retired, her unstinting efforts on behalf of adults who struggle to read, continue with the committed volunteers who have joined in the last few years.

Since those early days the group has offered help with reading and writing to over 60 adults, from all walks of life, and trained volunteer coaches who have worked with their readers to encourage and support them on their learning journey. Currently, Read Easy Bridport has 13 reading pairs, some of whom are working online.

Whether you are a complete beginner or can read a little but want to improve, Read Easy Bridport can help.

If you, or someone you know, is inspired by Steve's story and would like to get in touch, in confidence, you can ring 07707 259905. If someone doesn't answer straight away, leave your number and someone will get back to you as soon as we can.

Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter below!

You can submit your own news straight to Bridport Nub News by using the 'Nub It' button on our home page. This can also be done for events on our What's On page and businesses, groups and organisations on our Local Listings page , also by using the 'Nub It' button.

Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us @BridportNubNews on Facebook and Twitter.