Hartlepool boy wins prize in joke-telling contest

Six-year-old Thomas Swanson scooped the runner-up prize in joke-telling competition, Voice Box for a joke he performed at the final in London.

The youngster, a pupil at Springwell School in Hartlepool, delighted the packed audience of politicians, parents and children with his joke:

“What’s pink and fluffy? Pink fluff...

“What’s blue and fluffy? Pink fluff holding its breath.”

The annual competition, organised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and The Communication Trust, aims to remind people that there are children in every classroom who need support to help them speak and understand what is being said to them.

Since September 2015, hundreds of schoolchildren have taken part in the competition which saw 20 make it through to the final at Speaker’s House, in Westminster.

After his performance Thomas was presented with his runners-up award – national book tokens worth £50.

Delighted dad Jonathan said: “It’s been a great opportunity and we’re very proud of him.

“Thomas was very excited before the event and only had two hours’ sleep last night.”

John Bercow, the House of Commons Speaker, said: “I am delighted to host this wonderful event for the second year running.

“It is extremely important children with speech, language and communication needs receive the support they require to reach their potential.”