ONE of the UK's foremost authorities on dyslexia has launched a free fact sheet, aimed at parents of Wiltshire children who think their child may have the condition.

Dr Peter Gardner's information pack has been launched during Dyslexia Awareness Week which runs until Friday.

People who have the condition can have problems with reading, writing or spelling. It is believed that one in 10 children have some form of dyslexia.

Dr Peter Gardner is founder of Appleford School, in Wiltshire, which is one of the country's leading schools for children with dyslexia.

He said: "Despite year-on-year increases in the percentage of students achieving A* to C grade GCSE passes, many local teachers, parents and employers remain concerned that literacy standards are not improving and may indeed be falling.

"Parents in Wiltshire naturally want the best for their children. They know that good literacy skills are the building blocks to educational success and a satisfying career. But many parents are in the dark about their child's special educational needs and how best to help them."

The free Fact Sheet is available from: Dyselxia Fact Sheet, Appleford School, Shrewton, near Salisbury, SP3 4HL or by calling (01980) 621020 or emailing secretary@appleford.wilts.sch.uk