SCHOOLS, businesses and community choirs in Dorset are being called on to sign up for a charity’s annual record-breaking attempt.

Sign2sing aims to get as many people together to sign and sing a song on the same day – Wednesday, February 5.

It is organised by the national healthcare charity for deaf people, SignHealth.

Children and adults will learn to sign one of the songs specially composed for the event.

The closing date for registrations is January 24.

Pupils and teachers at schools in Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport have previously participated in the record attempt.

Last year they were among 116,980 people from across the country and overseas joining the third event which broke the Guinness World Record. The previous record, also set by the charity, was 114,277.

Events and Corporate Fundraiser at SignHealth Linda Petrons said: “So far more than 100,000 people have signed up but we need another 20,000 in order to break our world record and help raise awareness. We’re hoping lots of children and adults from Dorset will sign up.”

She added: “We have run the fundraiser successfully for the past three years and our aim for the 2014 event is to inspire our next generation of healthcare professionals to learn some sign language and recognise the importance of good communication.

“Deaf people often find it more difficult than hearing people to access healthcare and health information and because of this, deaf men, women and children are more likely to suffer ill health.

By ensuring our next generation of healthcare professionals are aware of deafness and British Sign Language, we will help to break down communication barriers.”

The songs, As One and Get Up and Sign, have been specially written by Tom and Pippa Gearing, Sarah Lindsey and James Hawkins from Bottle Top Music Productions. They can be downloaded from iTunes for 99p each.

As One is suitable for choirs, older children and adults, while Get Up and Sign is for younger children.

Sign up via sign2sing.org.uk or call 01494 687600.