One woman’s admirable determination to ensure children achieve their learning potentials has benefitted hundreds of youngsters across Cheshire West.

Diane Clark founded Passion for Learning three years ago and it aims to do exactly what it says on the tin – nurture a love of reading and learning in children.

The community interest company provides a one-to-one volunteer service to children at 20 schools throughout the county – the majority of which are in Chester and Ellesmere Port .

Diane said: “I want children to develop a passion for learning and a passion for life that will lead to them having hopes and aspirations and the skills and abilities to fulfil their potential.”

A psychology graduate, former primary school teacher and further education lecturer of child development, Diane has a wealth of experience working with children.

One of Passion for Learning’s largest projects is based at Lache Primary School , where the nursery and reception classes each have 10 volunteers.

Diane said: “Many schemes offer children support when they are already behind but this project aspires to stop children from falling behind by supporting them at the earliest possible stage and helping them to develop the most basic skills that underpin all future learning and the ability to become literate and numerate.

“The results have been fantastic.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall saw the project in action during their visit to the school earlier this month, when Camilla even tried her hand at being a volunteer tutor, helping one pupil read The Greedy Gorilla.

A £57,000 grant recently awarded by the Morgan Foundation will pay for a member of staff for the next three years.

Diane said: “To grow our numbers without diminishing the quality of the work that we do with children, we need to expand our staffing numbers.

“This will enable us to go from strength to strength without ever losing the very strong support and expertise that we offer to the volunteers working with the children.”

Passion for Learning has upwards of 70 volunteers in its fold.

No previous experience is necessary as new recruits receive training.

To volunteer, or for more information, call Diane on 07966 404355 or email diane.clark@passion-for-learning.com.