A young woman looked after at Dame Hannahs in Ivybridge has taken on a new role as a Youth Ambassador for the World Literacy Foundation.

Hannah Lavell from Hannahwood, Hannahs young adult provision in Ivybridge, already hosts a weekly Hannahwood Radio show in the Access All Aerials studio at Hannahs at Seale-Hayne.

As part of her youth ambassador role, Hannah has pledged to raise $500 for the World Literacy Foundation, and has started a readathon this week to boost her fundraising. Over several weeks this summer she will read Wild by Caroline Strayed on her show.

Youth ambassadors are a new initiative for the World Literacy Foundation, and the role means Hannah will be involved with literacy projects supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the community throughout the year.

She said: “As a regular bookworm myself I thought it was important to take my love of reading further. My work with the World Literacy Foundation is an extension of this love of reading and literacy in general.

"My pledge of $500 will provide education for 160 students in Sub-Saharan Africa. I feel passionately about the importance of education for children from any background or ability.

"As part of my fundraising efforts I will be taking on a mammoth readathon live on my community radio show. This will be broadcast over several shows until the book is completed.

"I have chosen this book because it is a true story and that’s my favourite type of genre to read.”

You can listen to Hannah’s first instalment at www.spreaker.com/show/djspinsister

The next chapters will be broadcast live at 5pm on the following dates: Monday, July 17, 24 and 31. Hannah is raising money online www.generosity.com/education-fundraising/world-literacy-foundation-education-for-children .