DEAF young people were given the chance to sing – by sign language – alongside hearing friends, brothers and sisters.

A free Singing and Signing choir runs all this week at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield.

Funded by Kirklees Council’s Integrated Youth Service, the sessions were run by Music and the Deaf and Kirklees Music School.

Paul Whittaker OBE, artistic director at Huddersfield-based charity Music for the Deaf, compiled a programme of songs which the choir learned in morning sessions from Monday to Thursday.

Last Friday, the new choir will perform in a special show for family and friends.

Becky Coulthard, of Kirklees Music School, said: “The sessions are great fun for all those taking part.

“We hope it will help raise the confidence and self-esteem of those with a hearing disability.”

If the week proves successful Kirklees Music School will look at setting up a signing choir from September.

Youngsters aged between eight and 16 took part. As well as signing and performances, the older children joined in songwriting workshops.