A MOTHER-OF-TWO from Whitefield is getting ready to start up an Italian playgroup in the New Year.

Maria Bucalo, from Hardmans Road, will be helping children up to four and their Italian-speaking parents from January.

The aim of the scheme is to encourage kids from mixed families not to lose the minority language, but to grow up bilingual.

Maria said: "The idea came from meeting other couples who were having the same problems. We felt that the children were losing a bit of their tradition."

The playgroup will meet every Saturday, from 2pm to 4pm, at Our Lady of Grace Church in Prestwich where children can make new friends and play, sing and practise Italian together.

Maria is hoping her plans will also be able to help Italian speaking parents, epecially mothers, who may feel lonely or isolated to come together and share experiences or suggestions.

She added: "After just two weeks of advertising, we already had seven families showing interest"

Depending on the success of the playgroup, Maria is hoping she can create an Italian school where children will be able to learn Italian literacy skills through word games, storytelling and music.

More information about the project can be found on www.italiankids.co.uk.