A Tytherington teacher is turning a generation of local children into little linguists.

Christine Cartwright is the ‘cerveau’ - French for brains - behind Jolly Polyglots, a language school that visits local nurseries and primary schools.

Using fun and imaginative methods such as games, songs, puppetry, ICT, crafts and cookery, Christine is teaching children as young as two  French.

From small beginnings two years ago teaching mums and tots groups, the venture has thrived and Christine is a regular visitor to nurseries in Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Poynton. She also runs clubs at Marlborough Primary, Beech Hall School, Prestbury Primary and Bollinbrook Primary School.

Christine said: “The work is so rewarding and fun that it hardly feels like work. It is a great delight to know that literally hundreds of young children in our local area are indeed becoming Jolly Polyglots.

“The fun experience of learning a language will boost any child’s self-esteem and encourage progress in all aspects of their academic curriculum.”

Christine said teaching the children has extra benefit.

“The number of parents and teachers who also sit in with the children in lessons means that many adults are also experiencing a new enthusiasm and confidence in language learning.”

Born in France to a Swiss mother and an English father, Christine has always been passionate about languages from an early age.

She worked as a language teacher at Tytherington High School for seven years before going to work on board a Christian mission ship in 2005 for two years. While on board she taught children Spanish and realised the enormous potential for youngsters to learn languages.

After working for a further two years at Marlborough Primary School, she began a French club and was overwhelmed by the response.

Despite the economic climate she launched her business and has not looked back.

Christine aims her lessons to three main age groups: Petits Pois (two to five); Petits Escargots (five to seven); and Grands Fromages (eight to 11).

For more information visit www.jollypolyglots.co.uk