A HUDDERSFIELD charity which helps deaf people enjoy music is cele- brating after scooping the final instalment of £15,000 boost.

Music and the Deaf was given the money by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales to pay for the Hi-Notes project, a series of after- school clubs for hearing- impaired pupils.

Hi-Notes offers people aged between eight and 16 and who have a hearing impairment the opportunity to attend weekly music clubs.

These are led by musicians Paul Whittaker, Danny Lane and Steven McMahon, who are all profoundly deaf.

Participants get the opportunity to learn about all aspects of music, including rhythm, pitch and duration.

They also have the chance to explore a wide range of instruments, improvisation and composition.

Each club provides young people with the chance to perform in a subject from which they have previously been excluded, as well as giving them the opportunity to socialise.

Sue Rosborough, administrator of Music and the Deaf, said: "With nearly 2,000 young people with a hearing impairment in West Yorkshire we are delighted that with the help of the Lloyds TSB Foundation we have been able to give some of them the opportunity to access the world of music.

"This grant has also given us the stability to secure further funding and has helped us raise awareness of deafness among the community."

A foundation spokes- man said: "We are delighted this project has been such a success and crossed new boundaries for the young of West Yorkshire who live with a hearing impairment."