A PUPIL in Hartlepool will today become the two-millionth child to learn that he or she can talk in class, as part of a travelling roadshow.

A child attending Rossmere Primary School will take the honour when the BT Education Programme arrives in town.

After visiting more than 9,000 schools across the UK for the past four years, the roadshow is entering its final weeks of tours.

The scheme aims to improve the communication skills of youngsters by getting them involved in an interactive show featuring characters in two families who communicate in different ways.

The programme, aimed at nine to 11-year-olds, includes a 30-minute live drama performance followed by an hour-long interactive workshop, involving the youngsters.

Carl Carter, BT education programme manager, said: "We want to help create a better understanding of how communication can help people in their daily lives and therefore create a better world."