A TOURING theatre company is being used to boost the speaking and listening skills of East Lancashire pupils.

Cragrats is visiting primary and secondary schools across the area as part of a new scheme to help the youngsters develop skills.

The group's roadshow, which involves drama and classroom-based activities, is part of the BT Education Programme a drive by the company to improve communication.

Actors from the company are delivering a range of performances and workshops to the area's schoolchildren.

So far the actors have visited Our Lady & St Hubert's Primary School, Great Harwood; Barden and Habergham high schools in Burnley, Park High School, Colne, and Rhyddings Business and Enterprise College, Oswaldtwistle.

Dave Hancock, head of BT Education and Volunteering, said: "At BT we believe good communication is an essential life skill and we are pleased to see speaking and listening skills appearing in the curriculum.

"BT is often perceived as a technology' company, but we know that whatever the medium, communication will always be essentially human in nature. This is why we are passionate about helping young people, teachers and parents to improve their skills.

"The Education Programme focuses on free speaking and listening resources and the Communication Skills Roadshow is making a significant input to helping deliver the curriculum."

The primary school events for pupils aged eight to 11 are based around friendship.

The events are delivered in two parts a 30-minute drama performance followed by three classroom-based workshops led by an actor.

The secondary school events are aimed at Year 10 and 11 pupils (ages 14-16 years) and are in the form of a 40 minute performance called The Interview.

The show uses an interview theme to demonstrate the importance of effective speaking and listening skills, followed by a one hour classroom-based workshop.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "We welcome any new initiative which encourages the region's youngsters to develop their language and communication skills.

"By involving the children in drama these youngsters are learning in a fun and different way and getting the chance to express themselves through drama while learning a new skill."