YOUNGSTERS in seven Leigh EAZ primary schools and one high school were yesterday urged to do some straight talking.

They were taking part in Let The Children Speak, a unique event organised by Leigh Education Action Zone in the Derby Room at Leigh Library.

The project, again sponsored by Leigh Rotary Club, is now in its third year, and involves children who are doing well in school -- plus those who have yet to realise their full potential.

The exciting programme -- carrying the declaration I believed in myself and I did it! -- has been recognised as having the potential to become a national model for raising self-esteem in children.

Standards

"This is one of a number of initiatives within the EAZ's literacy strategy which is aimed at raising pupils' standards in reading, writing, speaking and listening," said Leigh EAZ literacy advisory teacher and school improvement co-ordinator Michelle Silcock.

During an enthralling evening children were given the opportunity to speak alone or in groups of two or more for a maximum of two minutes.

Leigh EAZ chairman Gareth Cheesman hosted the event with teenager Kerys Heaton, a pupil at Kingshill High School in Tyldesley. Kerys made such a big impact in last year's event held in Leigh Town Hall that he was invited back as co-host.

Almost 40 children took part representing Kingshill High, Hindley Green J&I, Westleigh Methodists, XII Apostles, St Gabriel's, Sacred Heart, Bedford Hall Methodists and Christ Church (Pennington). Participants received a silver plate and T-shirt.