POPULAR North-East childrens author Terry Deary hopes to leave kiddies speechless with his latest project.

The Horrible Histories writer has persuaded children that history can be fun - now he wants them to keep a sock in it to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Terry recently visited Catchgate School, near Stanley, to make a spot check on preparations for their Hold Your Tongue Challenge.

He said: "I still thought they were a bit noisy. Perhaps we need to transport them back to Viking or Roman times. Some of the things I could show them there would definitely leave them speechless.

"But if they keep on practising I can see that they're going to do really well and raise lots of money for Macmillan."

There are three weeks left to register for the charity's Hold Your Tongue ten minutes sponsored silence. On February 9, hundreds of children of all ages will take part in Macmillan's 'zip it' campaign. Last year £180,000 was raised during the nationwide silence and this year's target is £250,000.