Christmas in Biggar took on a French feel as MSP Aileen Campbell visited Angelique Dupre’s French class that she teaches to children from Biggar and the surrounding villages. Coulter resident, Angelique, runs weekly classes in the Gillespie centre for young children to help them learn the language and to do so in a fun way.

Aileen visited the class, the final one of the year, as they put the final preparations together for a French carol that they eventually sung to their mums and dads.

Enjoying the French festivities, Aileen said:"I was very impressed by the class which really put an emphasis on making learning fun. The children were absolutely beaming and were so enthusiastic about learning French. The class introduced themselves to me and counted to ten in French, they also played several games following French instructions. Angelique is to be congratulated for being so proactive in offering this wonderful opportunity to children from in and around Biggar. And as a South of Scotland MSP, it was also good to hear that she offers this tuition in Peebles as well.

"One parent said to me that their son looks forward all week to his French lessons. This pays testament to the hard work and dedication of Angelique. I hope the class goes from strength to strength."Commenting, Angelique said:"I was delighted to welcome Aileen the class to show her how much the youngsters enjoy learning French and how well they’ve managed to retain a knowledge and understanding of the language. I endeavour to make the classes fun so that the children almost don’t realise they are learning – it’s an effective way to ensure this next generation of children have the tools to speak an additional language; a skill that is of growing importance.

"I use the La Jolie Ronde programme of teaching which is popular elsewhere. If any parent wants to enrol their child for next year, then all they need to do is get in touch. I also hope to launch adult evening classes so that more people can learn to speak and understand this most beautiful language."