A MUM who runs classes in Malton to encourage early communication skills in babies has won a national award.

Donna O' Donoghue set up TinyTalk after she found out about the benefits of baby signing while she was pregnant with her son, Joseph.

The franchise has now been recognised as the leading activity provider for toddlers across the UK winning Best National Pre-Schooler Development Activity for two to five years.

Donna, who runs weekly classes at Captain Barney's in Railway Street, said: “This is a real testament to how fun and professional our TinyTalk classes are.

"The families who come to my classes tell me time and time again how much they enjoy the classes and how well their little ones develop in both language development and confidence. I’m so proud to be part of TinyTalk and delighted that our families love what we do so much.”

TinyTalk, now in its 14th year, is a multi-award-winning company, with a team of more than 125 teachers delivering baby signing and toddler communication classes to over 7,000 young families each week.

Founder and managing director Katie Mayne said: “I am very proud of my team at TinyTalk and we are thrilled with these results. Everyone works very hard to ensure that our baby signing and toddler classes are the best we can make them and that they’re always full of fun.

"We are delighted that our families enjoy what we offer so much and that we’ve been voted the nation’s favourite as the UK’s top activity provider for pre-schoolers."

Donna is running a summer mini-course in baby signing at Captain Barney's on August 6, 13 and 20, from 10.30am to 11.30am. The cost of the course is £13.50 and siblings are welcome.

For more information, phone Donna on 07961 916578 or email donnao@tinytalk.co.uk