YOUNGSTERS in Weymouth have been singing and signing to raise money and break a world record.

Children at primary schools in Weymouth have taken part in the sign2sing world record attempt which raises money to transform the lives of deaf children.

Weymouth schools joined in with national sign2sing challenge, which is aiming to break a world record for the most people singing a song and performing it in sign language at the same time in aid of the deaf health charity SignHealth.

Last year, schools and choirs set the existing record with an amazing 144,503 people taking part and raised tens of thousands of pounds to help deaf children enjoy a healthy future.

Participating schools in Weymouth were Beechcroft Primary, Mulberry Bush Pre-School, St Andrews C of E Primary, St John’s C of E Primary, St Nicholas and St Laurence Primary and the Wyke Regis Junior and Infant schools.

Ruth Wakefield, who is the music teacher at both St Nicholas and St Laurence Primary School and Beechcroft Primary School, said the children had all really enjoyed the challenge.

She said: “All of them have really enjoyed themselves and have done really well. They have all loved practising and our singing leaders have really helped us.”

SignHealth’s Chief Executive, Steve Powell said: “The money raised is making a difference to the life expectancy of deaf children. Learning some basic sign language through music brings deaf and hearing children together and breaks down communication barriers.”