A YOUNG man is enjoying a new chapter in life after being introduced to the joys of reading.

Michael Taylor, 23, is one of many people to benefit from the work of the Dorchester Read Easy group, which helps people learn to read.

He suffers from cerebral palsy which, among other things, affected his speech and his ability to read was also poor.

Around 16 months ago he was introduced to coach Cilla Lynch from the Dorchester Read Easy scheme and through her patient approach his reading has come on leaps and bounds.

After covering the Yes We Can Read phonics-based reading manual, Cilla is now helping Michael to explore his own choice of books and his speech has also developed as a result.

Manchester United fan Michael has enjoyed reading books about football while he has also discovered more about Doctor Who through books and has been reading a Michael Morpurgo novel.

Cilla said: "We just started a Doctor Who book and at the end of the last session he just went on reading, he didn't want to stop."

Coach Cilla said the relationship will continue until Michael does not want to continue any more but she is hoping to get him to the stage where he can read the Harry Potter books.

She said: "My own private goal is to get him to Harry Potter because those are just compulsive read and if we get to that point Michael will really want to read them."

Michael said he had got a new found confidence from reading and was enjoying being able to read books of his choice.

Reading has also helped Michael develop his computer skills to the extent where he prepared a presentation on the First World War.

His family also say it has given him added confidence so he now feels able to go into shops on his own, while they have also noticed the improvements in his speech.

Michael recently went on a trip to Florida, where his father lives, and said that being able to read better did help the whole travelling experience.

Ready Easy Dorchester group co-ordinator Carole Jardine said Michael was one of a host of people who were reaping the benefits that came from learning to read.

She said: "I have given certificates to people who say it's totally changed their lives, it does give people confidence."

The Dorchester Read Easy group has been running for around three years now and was the first of around 30 schemes to be set up.

For more information about getting involved with the scheme and how you can benefit call 0844 472 4728, visit readeasy.org.uk, or email carole@readeasy.org.uk