DOZENS of secondary school pupils in Blackburn are being taught to stand up for themselves, with lessons about comedy.

A series of two-hour, stand-up comedy workshops were launched in October for pupils at Our Lady and St John Catholic Arts College and Witton Park High School.

Students are being taught what stand-up means, how to write for it, the different styles used, stage presence, overcoming stage fright and microphone techniques.

Called Stand Up For Blackburn, the six-week series will culminate in a special Christmas performance of the students' new skills in Blackburn Shopping Centre's Victoria Court.

Two professional comedians -- Stephanie Davies and Stanley McHale -- are leading the project in conjunction with Rawhide Comedy, the company behind the Liverpool Comedy Festival and the Rawhide Comedy Club. Tony Farrell, director at Our Lady and St John, said: "It is a wonderful opportunity for the students and they are very enthusiastic.

"It has encouraged them in many areas, not just in comedy but in personal development, boosting their confidence in being able to stand up and speak in front of people.

"Steph and Stan were saying that in other areas, some students who are doing well on the project are still reluctant to say they will get up and perform first but ours are very keen. They are really looking forward to performing in public."

Elaine Barnes, deputy headteacher at Witton Park High School, said: "Initially they were quite shy but it wasn't long before they really got going and when they came out for the break they were absolutely buzzing with it.

"You could hear the laughter from quite a way away. They came out at the end of the session really up for it the next time.

"A mother of one of the students mothers works here and she said when her son got home she couldn't shut him up all night. He really had enjoyed himself.

"I am pleased Standard Life is sponsoring this. It means we have been able to give our students a different experience and I am absolutely delighted at how they have responded to it.

"Quite a few of have low self-esteem and any chance we get to address the whole person in terms of team spirit, confidence and social skills is welcomed."

The stand-up comedy performance by the two schools will take place in Victoria Court between 5pm and 6.30pm on December 12.