Melksham resident Sheila Jackson is speaking out on behalf of the shy, as she prepares to launch the town’s first speakers’ club.

The club, which will meet fortnightly at the Rachel Fowler Centre in the Market Place, aims to help those unsure about public speaking to develop their confidence though a simple course.

She said: “I help run a club in Swindon but this is the first thing like this in Melksham. We’ve had a lot of successes in the past, including a police officer who came to see us for help and has now been made an inspector.

“We start off by getting them to say a little about themselves, then build on to writing speeches, and slowly move up to develop their confidence in their daily lives.”

The first club will be held on Tuesday at 7.30pm. Call 07726 537452.