A COLOURFUL roadshow is teaching children the importance of communication skills.

The British Telecom Communications Roadshow is visiting schools throughout the region until October 17, educating children about basic speaking and listening skills in an interactive way.

BT has employed the theatrical company CragRats to deliver the live performance free to schools. It combines an exciting mix of music, dance and drama to help educate the children.

The programme includes a 30-minute live drama followed by an hour-long workshop aimed at nine to 11-year-olds. The children are introduced to two families, the Muddles, who are unable to communicate efficiently and the Crystals, who can both listen and speak clearly.

Carl Carter, BT education programme manager, said: "We want to create a better understanding of how communication can help people in their daily lives and therefore create a better world."

Yesterday, the educational initiative went to Bullamoor Junior and Applegarth Primary schools, in Northallerton.

The headteacher at Bullamoor, Bob Wallace, said: "The children benefited immensely from the programme. It is important that they learn about themselves as people and they learn how to behave with others."