A WOMAN who has taught hundreds of children to read has been named Volunteer of the Year.

Pam Andrews, from Sandford-on-Thames, has provided one-to-one reading help to pupils at Orchard Meadow Primary School, in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, for more than 25 years.

She picked up a glass trophy in honour of her contribution to learning and skills at a ceremony in Oxford Town Hall on Tuesday.

The High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Richard Dick presented the award to Mrs Andrews on behalf of Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action, an umbrella body for the county’s voluntary and community sector.

Mr Dick said: “It is one of the great privileges of being High Sheriff that I can meet so many people who do so much vital work in their communities.”

The judges said of Mrs Andrews: “Pam has been an inspiration to so many children in Blackbird Leys, turning around negative attitudes to reading and schools, improving the children’s overall life chances.

“She always takes the time to talk with the children and listen to them without being judgmental.”

Mrs Andrews, who volunteers for Arch – Assisted Reading for Children in Oxfordshire – said: “I’m overwhelmed with the award. It came as a complete surprise to me. I feel very privileged to be able to spend time at the school and I enjoy it so much.

“I accept this award on behalf of all the volunteers at Arch.”

Orchard Meadow assistant headteacher Tanya Wiseman said: “Pam has made a significant difference to the reading skills of so many children. She is reliable, committed and the children all adore her.”

Other volunteers were highly commended for reaching the final list of nominees. They were: Lorna Wiggins, who works with the Banbury Young Homeless Project; Jamila Azad, who has run the Roshni Oxford Asian Women’s Association for nine years; Ivan Wright who has been chairman of Shotover Wildlife, in Oxford, for 12 years; Alan Noble, who works for Full Circle, which brings children and older people together; Alan Hart, who is volunteer warden at Boundary Brook Nature Reserve in Oxford; and Peter Skinner, from Thames Valley Life Education Centres, who tows mobile classrooms to and from primary schools.

Barbara Jacks, Chitra Thapa and Edie Pappas were also presented with community volunteering certificates.