A bus driver and a former primary school teacher from Cornwall were hosted by the Queen this week in recognition of their work and support of the National Literacy Trust.

The special reception at Clarence House, London, served to honour these 'Literacy Champions' as well as others from around the country, marking 30 years of the charity's work.

Jess Jervis, a local bus driver from Camborne, was among the six distinguished guests chosen to meet Queen Camilla.

Since 2022, she has devoted her time to the trust, helping children in her community develop essential literacy skills.

Following her own positive experiences with the charity and her son, Zale, Ms Jervis embarked on a mission to promote literacy among passengers on her bus routes.

Inviting riders aboard for shared story hours, she has turned everyday bus journeys into opportunities for families to enrich their children's literacy skills.

She said: "It was a privilege to meet The Queen, I felt very proud and appreciated".

Ms Jervis is impassioned to continue her literacy work and encourages others to participate in the rewarding endeavour.

Jess Jervis (left) and Hannah Nurton  (Image: National Literacy Trust)

Hannah Nurton from Brea was also invited to the special reception.

As the first-ever Literacy Champion in Cornwall and a former primary school teacher, she understands the challenges that disadvantaged children face.

Her initiatives, such as establishing the first Little Library in a local Tesco Extra and designing book trails across communities, aim to make reading resources widely accessible.

Ms Nurton said: "It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many people who are passionate about improving children’s futures through the power of books and literacy."

She passionately believes in the transformative power of literacy and looks forward to the future expansion of such important initiatives.

(Image: National Literacy Trust)

Jonathan Douglas CBE, CEO at The National Literacy Trust, added: "Yesterday we marked 30 years of The National Literacy Trust by celebrating our dedicated Literacy Champions with our patron, Her Majesty The Queen."

Recognising more than 60 literacy volunteers across England and Wales, the event underlined the considerable contributions of these champions who, over the last three decades, have empowered over five million children through literacy.