Carrie Million has set up sessions to teach children aged up to five and their mums and dads to sign.

The 31-year-old from Peterlee, who also works part-time as a teaching assistant at East Durham College, decided to take up a post as tutor of the sessions after learning to sign with her own daughter Summer, two.

She underwent training and bought the licence to run Signing Tots in her home town thanks to the support of Be Enterprising.

She said: "I started taking Summer to classes when she was eight months old. I thought the classes were fantastic.

"To be able to communicate and understand what my baby was signing to me at such a young age was amazing.

"It cut out a lot of tears and tantrums."

The classes include a mix of themed British Sign Language signs, rhymes, music and games.

Carrie added: "There is research to show teaching babies and children British Sign Language signs alongside speech can enhance their speech development and improve their attention and listening skills.

"My daughter Summer now has such a broad vocabulary for a two year-old – the results are amazing."

In addition to her job of supporting students with learning difficulties, Carrie is taking a course in British Sign Language and another which will help her support teaching and learning.

Signing Tots classes start Wednesday, January 6, at Howletch Sure Start Centre and places must be pre-booked.

Future Peterlee classes can be booked through Sure Start on 587 8625 or by emailing carrie.signingtots@hotmail.co.uk