London literacy fund launched

8 June 2011 Last updated at 09:55 GMT Businesses in London have been asked to donate ?3m to improve child numeracy and literacy skills in the capital.

The Mayor's Fund says four out of 10 London children are living in poverty and helping them to read and write will give them better opportunities.

Flying Start for London will set up proven numeracy and literacy programmes in seven of London's poorest boroughs as well as provide support for parents.

It will be aimed at children aged under 12 and is due to start in the autumn.

Key skills

The Mayor's Fund was set up in 2009 to help the 600,000 children living in poverty in London.

Businesses and individuals are being asked to donate to the latest initiative which aims to develop key skills that employers look for in young people.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "We cannot let poverty prevent young people from accessing the education and opportunities they rightly deserve.

"The Mayor's Fund has made a fantastic effort in supporting thousands of struggling youngsters who need an extra helping hand to steer them on the right path."

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