TWO sisters from Winsford are using their signing skills to spread messages of hope and positivity during difficult times.

While busy learning from home during lockdown, siblings Hallie May and Alyssia May Tudor, have made a series of videos signing in makaton to raise spirits and encourage family and friends to stay safe.

Mum Natasha, a teaching assistant at Oaklands School in Winsford, said: “Ever since they have been off school due to the coronavirus, they have been making makaton videos which we’ve been posting to Facebook.”

In one the videos the sisters, aged eight and six, encourage viewers to make sure they keep washing their hands and stay at home. In another, Hallie May, signs the words to Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.

Natasha said: “They want to keep people smiling in these hard times and the response they have had back has been so lovely.”

Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate.

Natasha explained: “Alyssia May has a severe speech impediment and makaton really helps her. It’s a very popular and user-friendly method of communication and has made such a huge difference to our lives. Hallie May calls makaton a special gift.

“I’m so grateful to Miss Hughes and Mrs Williams from Oakland School because without them I wouldn’t have been able to learn makaton.”

Alyssia May added: “I love makaton and I am doing this because I also want other people to learn it as they may need it in the future.”

The family is now looking at ways to raise funds for The Makaton Charity and the sisters, who attend Wharton Church of England Primary School, are looking forward to making more videos.

Natasha said: “It’s a been a great way for them keep learning and to show other people how to use makaton too. They’re really enjoying it and say making the videos makes them feel really happy.”