A SCHEME to improve toddlers' speech and language through drama looks set to continue after a six-week trial was a huge success.

Sure Start Wear Valley, an educational group for pre-school children, hopes to run more courses with theatre group Cap-a-pie.

Sure Start, based at St Helen's Nursery, St Helen's Auckland, invited the Durham theatre company to run weekly workshops with under-fours.

About ten youngsters have enjoyed activities, such as singing and role-play, led by three drama facilitators.

Project leader Ruth Hindmarsh said: "They grow in confidence and that in turn helps them communicate and express themselves better."

Jackie Staff, family support worker with Sure Start, said: "It has been a wonderful way to prepare children for school-life and as it has been successful we hope to start another series of drama sessions very soon."

Anyone interested in the scheme, for children under four years old, can call Ms Staff on (01388) 665665.

They've really enjoyed acting and singing and we have noticed the children develop in just a few weeks.