Trip to No11 for pioneer charity

YOUNGSTERS at a pioneering communication charity in Oldham were last night recognised in Westminster.

The ACE Centre North, based at Hollinwood Business Centre, helps support children and adults with a learning or physical disability who have communication difficulties.

And last night Chancellor Alistair Darling hosted representatives of ACE — the Aided Communication in Education — at a reception at No 11 Downing Street.

John Bercow, Tory MP for Buckingham, has been asked by health minister Alan Johnson and schools minister Ed Balls to review the needs of children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties.

He previously visited Oldham to meet youngsters who attend the centre and see how the charity improves lives.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas attended the event with Mr Bercow last night and said: “I hoped to get the schools minister but to get the Chancellor to host the event is a great thing.

“I have been working with John since he was chairman of the Tory students and I with the Labour students.

“On this issue we are completely together.

“We are looking at how we can improve and expand this fantastic service.”