TODDLERS at a nursery took part in a nationwide Chatterbox Challenge, yesterday.

Youngsters arrived at Ouston Community Nursery in fancy dress, ready for a sponsored sing and storytelling.

They raised money for the charity I CAN, which provides therapy and education for children with communication problems and support and training for parents, teachers and other professionals.

Staff at the nursery, near Chester-le-Street, wore fancy dress and sang rhymes and songs picked by each of the children.

Nursery manager Julie Ridley said: "We had everyone from Cinderella to Spiderman and a Ninja here this morning."