WORCESTERSHIRE County Council's Family Information Service team is giving away free DVDs aimed at improving children's speech and language skills.

As part of the national Hello Campaign, 500 'Chatter Matters' DVDs are being offered that give great ideas to parents and carers to help support speech, language and communication development.

Developed with the support of BT's Openreach, The Chatter Matters DVD explains how parents' and carers can give children a great start in life by helping them grow into good communicators.

The DVD shows how everyday activities from changing nappies and family mealtimes to shopping and getting ready for bed can be opportunities for playing and talking together.

Emma Jordan, Team Leader, Speech and Language Therapy Services, said: "We're delighted to have 500 copies of the Chatter Matters DVD to give away to Worcestershire parents and carers.

"The DVD contains a fascinating programme presented by TV expert Dr Tanya Byron offering dozens of brilliant ideas to help parents and carers develop their children's speaking and listening skills throughout their pre-school years."

For a free copy of the DVD, parents and carers can contact the Family Information Service on 01905 822 666 or email familyinfo@worcestershire.gov.uk. Stocks of the DVD are limited.