'Learning to read at 86 has changed my whole life'

An 86-year-old man said learning to read has enabled him to read his and his wife's anniversary cards for the first time in 65 years.

Alan Hannay, from Southampton, learned to read through the charity Read Easy, which helps adults across the country who struggle with the skill many of us take for granted.

Hannay told BBC Radio Solent: "It's changed my whole life, my confidence, changed my family life and everything around me.

"It's one of the best experiences I've ever had in my life."

Hannay said he now reads every morning for about an hour and a half and goes to the class twice a week.

The charity said Hannay is an "inspiring example of determination and courage".

It said he asked his local library in Hythe, Southampton, about learning to read, which led him to the charity and his reading coach, Angie.

During his working life as a professional chauffeur, he relied on his memory to drive his clients around London, and at the age of 70 he attended evening classes to improve his reading.

However, he found the group situation difficult.

He decided to seek help when one of his great grandchildren asked him to read a story.

Read Easy says 2.4 million adults in England alone cannot read at all or struggle to read.

Hannay said for those who cannot read, the "first and most important thing is to admit to people around you that you're not able to do this".

"And once you've admitted that, then you can go and get some help, and the help is there," he added.

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