MOTHER of three celebrity Melinda Messenger would be nursery rhyme character Little Boy Blue sleeping under a haystack, given the choice.

Melinda revealed which song character she would choose to be during the launch of Chatterbox Challenge 2005.

She donned her wellies and spent time at a farm with children and farmyard animals.

Melinda is backing the challenge, a sponsored chatalong, organised by I CAN, the charity that helps children to communicate.

This event challenges young children to 'Make Chatter Matter' by learning and performing rhymes, songs and stories to raise awareness and funds for children who struggle to communicate.

Melinda was asked by I CAN what her favourite rhyme is.

She replied: "Three currant buns in the bakers shop don't know why just that I loved it and I love currant buns, especially with icing on.

"They are my favourite cakes so maybe that's why.

"I remember singing it to my mum and feeling chuffed that I'd remembered the words."

Melinda, 33, lives in Wan-borough, with husband Wayne, sons Morgan, four, and Flynn, two, and 11-month old daughter Evie.

She is a keen believer in helping children with reading and recently met other mums at west Swindon library to talk about it.

"My children all love books, although they're not quite reading yet," she said.

"The oldest has just started to read a few words but it's always something that they will ask for. It's really nice just to sit down and read and be able to spend quiet time with them.

"It's also useful for mothers to get together and have a chat because being a mother is really tough and it can feel like an impossible job. You don't get a manual with them and you don't even need a licence."

Starting on January 31, thousands of children across the region will be using their voices to help those who can't.

If you know any little chatterboxes who would like to get involved order a ChatterPack by calling 0870 4585475 or go to chatterboxchallenge.org.uk

Anthony Osborne