A GROUP based in Bastwell has set up a support group for deaf children and their families.

Deaf Aware is a voluntary community group affiliated to the National Deaf Children’s Society which not only provides free educational activities for deaf children, but also offers parents and carers the opportunity to meet to socialise and support each other.

Although the group is based in Blackburn, it is open to people across East Lancashire, and the committee plans to hold recruitment events outside Burnley General Hospital, as well as the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Volunteers from the group met Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Councillor Kate Hollern, along with Councillor Dorothy Walsh and Councillor Iftakhar Hussain, as they received Your Call certificates in recognition of their outstanding work in the community, helping deaf children across the borough.

During the meeting, the two volunteers present, Farah Hussain and Isma Sajid, were informed that a £200 grant would be made to the group, to help them carry on their fantastic work.

Coun Hollern said: "It is fantastic that we have been able to recognise the work that Deaf Aware Blackburn is doing in the community, running activities for young deaf children in the borough.”