FORMER APPRENTICE STAR SPEAKS FOR PUDSEY!

Business woman, Claire Young, who is passionate about youth enterprise, was originally known as an Apprentice finalist in 2008. She hopes to join children from the Academy on National Talking Day! and has this message: "To have reached the place I am now, I had to do a lot of talking - particularly in Lord Sugar's boardroom! I have never had a problem with speaking but, in these days of social networking and texting etc., verbal communication is a vital skill for young people to retain and, if they can use this skill to raise money for others less fortunate than themselves, we should support them all we can! Let's all get talking with the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy for BBC Children In Need!"

Perhaps Claire's old colleague's from The Apprentice should take note too - businesses can also take part in National Talking Day! Download details from www.helenogrady.co.uk

COUNTRYFILE STAR COMMENDS HELEN O'GRADY TALKERS!

BBC Children In Need is a charity close to the heart of television presenter, Julia Bradbury, who last year was a participant in their 'Around The World In Eighty Days'. Of National Talking Day! she said: "Children should be the next generation of talkers so I commend their efforts on National Talking Day! Having conversations to support BBC Children In Need will only not raise lots of money but also raise the children's awareness of others much less fortunate than themselves. Well done everyone in the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy!"

Julia is pictured here when she reached the top of Scafell Pike (Skyworks)

SUE PERKINS SUPPORTS NATIONAL TALKING DAY!

Comedian and television presenter, Sue Perkins, who recently invited viewers to 'get baking' for BBC Children In Need, whole heartedly supports the Academy's efforts on National Talking Day! "What better way to raise money than for children around the country to talk to each other so showing their support for children less fortunate than themselves?" she said. "We need to encourage the art of conversation so I urge everyone to put their money where their mouth is on 10th November and talk up a storm for BBC Children In Need!"

Momentum is building and we plan for every branch of the Academy in the UK to be involved in a day of talking. More information soon!