A MUM-of-four who was left partially deaf from the age of five following a series of illnesses has been nominated for a National Diversity Award.

Debra Keyser has been named as a nominee in the 'positive role model award - disability' category after setting up schemes to held children learn sign language in East Lancashire.

The 40-year-old, who developed difficulties hearing after a string of ear infections, established two companies ten years ago to give children in the region the chance to learn sign language.

School of Sign Language and Primary Sign are both based at the Blackburn Rovers Enterprise Centre and Debra has also developed partnerships with Darwen Vale High School and Shuttleworth College in Padiham to deliver sign language GCSEs.

The former St Bede's RC High School student now has to wait until June to discover whether she will be named as a finalist and go to the glittering ceremony at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral in September.

The St Martin's Drive resident said: "I was really surprised to be nominated and it's great to have my work acknowledged.

"When I was growing up disability was something to be looked down on and I found it tough.

"There was nothing like this when I was young and I felt that I needed to do something to help others.

"I was always told that I would never amount to much and not be able to do anything with my life.

"After I left school I went to train as a hairdresser at Blackburn College and then I left for America and lived in up-state New York before coming back home.

"I got a job at the now-closed John Newmans factory in Briercliffe and worked 12-hour shifts for five years before leaving in 2000.

"That's when I decided to really do something and set about learning sign language and setting up my companies.

"The difference in provision for deaf children from 2005 to 2015 is amazing and it's great that it has also provided jobs for deaf people as well.

"I have now had an implant fitted to replace my hearing aids. It transformed my life just as learning sign language did all those years ago."

Paul Sesay, chief executive of The National Diversity Awards, said: "Role models need to be showcased in all communities.

"If it wasn't for certain role models in my life, I wouldn't of been able to achieve what I've achieved today.

"Role models like Debra are an essential part to today's society and I would like to wish her, and all of the nominees the best of luck."