Tony Butler is a professional magician but in his spare moments he acts as a reading volunteer working magic on the pupils of Bennerley comprehensive in Ilkeston, Derbyshire Every Friday for the past four years Tony, whose wife is the school librarian, has encouraged children to read with one-to-one help. Teacher Janet Wilkinson says his commitment, enthusiasm and reliability have rubbed off on the pupils. Reading scores have gone up along with self-esteem and confidenc. Jacob Ainsworth, a pupil in Year 9, says: “Mr Butler is great fun to work with. I have improved a lot.” The school has nominated Tony Butler as a reading champion in the National Reading Campaign awards.

Please send the name of your Friday Hero - and why he or she should get a bouquet - to Sarah Bayliss, Friday magazine, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX, or email sarah.bayliss@tes.co.uk. Flowers kindly supplied by Marks and Spencer