Learning support assistants in Pembrokeshire have successfully completed a British Dyslexia Association accredited training course. The assistants were presented with their certificates by Clr. Clive Collins, chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, who has dyslexia. He spoke of his experiences of dyslexia as a child, and how it created a driving force in his life to be 'as good as the next man'. "As some of you may know, I have dyslexia and I know first-hand how very important it is to support those who have the condition," he told the learning support assistants (LSAs). "In gaining this qualification, you are helping to provide children throughout Pembrokeshire with invaluable help and support." Clr. Islwyn Howells, cabinet member for children, young people and the Welsh language, said 13 further staff have already enrolled on next year's programme. "The dyslexia training initiative is an important part of the authority's strategy to meet the needs of children," he said. "We also have 96 teachers who are currently attending a three-day training course to support children with dyslexia. The British Dyslexia Association has supported the course." Gerson Davies, director of education, said that by April 2006, every school in Pembs. would have at least one teacher who had been trained. "The involvement of these teachers and their support staff will ensure improved assessment and intervention to meet the needs of our children," he said.