Bethany Kirk, nine, will take part in a sponsored silence today at Oatlands Junior School, a real challenge for her, said mum Sue Kirk, as she is quite a chatterbox.

All through the school day she has promised not to speak, and will have to write her answers down on a piece of paper.

Bethany's uncle suffers from the disease, and she decided to take on the challenge to help raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, (MND Association).

Her mother, artist Sue Kirk will also be joining her daughter in the fundraising effort, as she opens up her home and studio for the charity.

She will take part in the North Yorkshire Open Studio exhibition next weekend, with 10 per cent of the profits raised to go to the MND Association.

She said: "This is the third year I have taken part in the North Yorkshire Open Studio and we have raised a good amount for the MND Association. It's just about making people aware of the disease.

"It's a cruel disease, and once you are diagnosed with it there's no medication or anything to stop it. It's extremely cruel. Please come along and support this, and help us to raise even more."

To support Bethany or Sue Kirk visit www.justgiving.com/kirkfamily, all funds raised go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Sue Kirk's studio will be open 10am to 5pm on May 17, 18, at 22 South Drive, Harrogate, HG2 8AU.

For more information about North Yorkshire Open Studio look at www.art-connections.org.uk.

See next week's Harrogate Advertiser for more details about other studios across the district who will be taking part.