TODDLERS in Leigh chattered to their hearts' content and joined in with their favourite nursery rhymes.

It was all part of the Chatterbox Challenge, a campaign run by charity ICAN, to raise awareness of the one in ten children who cope with a communication disability.

The Stables in Chalkwell Park Drive was buzzing with babies up to the age of three as they took part in the Sing and Sign event.

Founder Sasha Felix wrote special songs with signs, so even the youngest baby would not miss out.

She said: "Babies chatter too, in their own unique way. With baby signing they have lots to say.

"It is a real pleasure for parents in our classes to sponsor their babies' communication for one day."

Published Wednesday, February 22, 2006