War Horse author Sir Sir Michael Morpurgo has been announced as an ambassador for national literacy charity Beanstalk, joining fellow ambassadors Jack Whitehall and Dan Snow.

The former Children's Laureate was previously patron for Reading Matters, which merged with Beanstalk in November last year, and commented 'These two wonderful charities Reading Matters and Beanstalk have come together to reach more children and young people who need vital support with their reading. Together they can continue the important work they do in schools... and change the lives of children through books and reading'.