As a young man, Geoffrey Burns was one of hundreds of people who formed an army of extras for filming of the dystopian movie 1984 in Wiltshire.

Nearly 40 years on, the 57-year-old is finally beginning to enjoy the book which sparked the film – after learning to read more confidently with a literacy charity.

Geoffrey, who now lives in Devizes, has spent the last year working with a coach from the voluntary group Read Easy.

The charity’s North and West Wiltshire group has just staged its first graduation ceremony since lockdown to celebrate Geoffrey’s success in completing a key stage of his reading journey.

Now it is on the lookout for more volunteer coaches to help other people gain confidence with their reading – and for coordinators to help organise them.

Geoffrey and his dad were among the hordes of local men who donned a distinctive uniform of overalls and had their hair shorn for a scene in the film, which was released in the year of its title.

It starred John Hurt and Richard Burton, with buses transporting the extras from the TA Centre in Swindon to an old airfield at Hullavington.

Geoffrey remembers they all had to strike a defiant arms-crossed pose – and that the food ran out before he could eat on the day.

His dad ended up sitting next to Burton, who played O’Brien in the movie.

They were paid £25 each for their efforts.

His newfound reading confidence has already seen him devour a Western novel, but he is now embarking on George Orwell’s 89,000-word classic.

Geoffrey, a onetime refuse collector, has been coached over the last year by legal and business consultant Anthony Tabor.

Geoffrey said he always struggled with reading.

“I’ve learned to break words down. It feels a hell of a lot better.”

He and Anthony will now embark on ten more weeks of coaching.

It was 55-year-old Anthony’s first experience of being a volunteer reading coach, and he thoroughly recommends it.

“It’s been very rewarding. Geoffrey has been a pleasure to work with – he’s very committed, and he had the right mindset.”

The group now needs new volunteer coaches to ensure there is enough help for new readers.

Anthony said: “I would say go for it. You can see someone develop in front of you. I have got a hell of a lot out of it. It’s such a valuable thing to do.”

He said he had received great support from the charity.

Coaches would normally meet the reader they are working with twice a week for around half an hour.

Read Easy says the key characteristics required include empathy, because most readers have had a difficult experience at school, and will have had to summon up courage to return to reading.

The group’s south area coordinator Heather Morris said flexibility was also a must.

“Bringing variety to coaching sessions is essential and we have resources and expert support to help with this.”

She is keen to expand the number of volunteer coordinators organising the charity’s work in the north and west of the county.

The role involves meeting new readers and matching them to coaches, and helping with ongoing training.

Heather added: “It’s incredibly rewarding, and you get to meet a wide range of interesting people, and know that you’re contributing to a very worthwhile cause.”

To find out more about learning to read, contact Heather Morrison 07367 100 936 or email nwwcoordinator@readeasy.org.uk

To find out more about volunteering as a coach or coordinator, contact Sue Williams on 07367 100 936 or email nwwrecruiter@readeasy.org.uk