A PASSIONATE library worker is ready to embark on a busman’s holiday to boost literacy to some of the world’s poorest children.

Suzy Youldon has her running shoes on to take part in two 10k road races this summer to help fund her trip to Malawi with charity The Book Bus.

For the past four years, thousands of youngsters in Darlington have been rewarded by Miss Youldon’s enthusiasm through her role as Bookstart co-ordinator and community engagement officer for children aged up to seven at the town’s Crown Street library.

But in November, she will use two weeks of her holiday to take her skills to Africa.

The Book Bus runs projects in Malawi and Zambia, in Africa, and Ecuador, in South America.

Miss Youldon will be among other volunteers giving up their time to use their knowledge and love for books.

She will be teaching classes, which sometimes number up to 100, in similar lessons to those she runs in Darlington, helping literacy skills and English development.

She said: “During the twoweek project, we will get on a bus and go round classes to teach children language lessons and encourage the love of books.

“Literacy is vastly important to me. It is truly in my heart.

“I wanted to take on a challenge involved in literacy and language development.”

Miss Youldon added: “There has been lots in the press about libraries. I thought it was interesting that we are looking at closing libraries in our country, when in the Third World they want to set up libraries.

“This is a bit of a personal challenge.”

To raise money for her trip, Miss Youldon will run the Sunderland 10k on June 26 and the Darlington Sherwoods Chevrolet 10k, in her home town, on August 14.

Although a newcomer to the sport, she has been training three times a week since March.

She will be joined in each race by her friend, Andrew Dixon, a veteran of the Great North Run.

Miss Youldon added: “I needed to do something proactive, rather than just ask people for money. These two events seemed a logical thing to do.”

To sponsor Miss Youldon and Mr Dixon, go to uk.virgin moneygiving.com/team/Suzy andAndrew10K