By Ian Brown and Penny Fisher.

Children right across the Croydon Borough are helping to raise money for 'Children in Need' at their Helen O'Grady classes this week and next by talking!

Last year all branches of the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy in the UK raised £20,000 for Children in Need with a variety of activities, but this year the aim is £50,000 through 'National Talking Day'

The students have all been encouraged to find people to sponsor them to talk for 2 to 4 minutes on selected topics relating to Children in Need.

But that's not all! The parents have been invited to join in at the classes too so that they can listen to their children. They will also have to take part in the normal Drama activities alongside their children, and can even come in Fancy dress, for a small donation to 'Pudsey' of course.

Our students are all very excited about being able to contribute in this way for 'Children in Need' and have been getting their speeches ready for presentation at their class.

Ian Brown, the Principal, said that one of his students was so keen, she performed her speech at church on Sunday in front of the whole congregation! So impressive were her communication skills, that many more sponsors came forwrd to contribute to her fundraising total.

We are hoping that all our students have a really enjoyable week at classes while helping to increase the grand total for 'Children in Need'.