Among the works now being used to stimulate children's interest in reading at one Wearside school are cartoon favourites, Marvel comic strips and graphic novels.

The new tactic at St Robert of Newminster RC School is being prompted by evidence that poor readers, put off by the prospect of ploughing through long novels, are more enthusiastic about comics and cartoons.

And the Washington school has enlisted its sixth formers to read and mentor Year 7 youngsters, while encouraging a wider interest in books.

English teacher Helen Reed said, after finding a "shortfall" in some pupils' reading ages, the school wanted to try a "different way" to fire chidren's interest in books.

Launched in October, small groups now meet every week for 15 minutes to go through their latest graphic book.

She said: "The use of small excerpts of text and interpretation through pictures in graphic novels, rather than a long, daunting novel, showed far greater appeal.

"That and the opportunity to talk about it with Year 12 and 13 students on a weekly basis works. They set each other homework, have a supportive role and encourage one another when they meet."

Mrs Reed, raising achievement co-ordinator, added: "We have got students now who are reading and finishing books, which they have never done before, which is fantastic. The aim is to build upon this and get them reading voluntarily themselves. Ideally we would want these students to come back and mentor themselves."

Research by the Beano magazine found that 71 per cent of girls aged seven to 11 read for at least half an hour every day outside school, compared to just 44 per cent of boys.

Andrew Patterson, 12, from Fatfield, Washington, is reading a graphic version of Goodnight, Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian.

He said: "It's a lot easier, one-on-one, than being with a full class and I really look forward to it because I am learning.

"I don't read many books. The ones that interest me are history, but this has given me the confidence to pick up a book. I am now reading every day which I wasn't before."

Year 12 mentor Caroline Grist, 16, from Washington Village, is studying English Literature at A level and is helping 12-year-old Ferne Allen with Northern Lights by Philip Pullman.

Caroline said: "Reading is something I enjoy doing myself and I am enjoying helping someone else to learn. It has given me a lot of patience and Ferne seems to be getting a lot out of it."

Mrs Reed added: "It is progressive and it is about building up confidence. By having pictures there it makes the text look easier and the traditional novel becomes easier."